“PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has criticized India’s ongoing refusal to tour Pakistan, calling it an ‘unequal situation,’ amid the deadlock over the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Speaking at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Naqvi said, “It is not possible for Pakistan to consistently travel to India for events while Indian authorities refuse to send their team to Pakistan. This imbalance cannot continue,” PTI reported.
At an upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) virtual meeting on Friday, a hybrid model is expected to be proposed for the tournament, The Indian Express reported. This model suggests India’s group-stage matches, one semifinal, and the final be played in a neutral country, as India has formally informed the ICC of its unwillingness to travel to Pakistan.
The PCB, however, insists on hosting the entire event in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. The board’s stance may face additional challenges as rising tensions in Pakistan recently prompted Sri Lanka’s cricket board to cancel its A team tour.”
“PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi struck a cautious tone on the proposed ‘hybrid’ model for the 2025 Champions Trophy, softening his earlier stance against the format. Previously, Naqvi had asserted that the PCB would not accept such a proposal.
“All I can assure is that whatever the outcome of the meeting, we will have good news and decisions that our people will accept,” he stated.”
“PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed hope that Jay Shah, set to assume the ICC Chairmanship on December 5, would prioritize decisions benefiting global cricket and all member boards.
“Jay Shah takes charge in December, and I’m confident that once he transitions from the BCCI to the ICC, he will focus on what benefits the ICC. Anyone in such a role should prioritize the interests of the organization they represent,” Naqvi remarked.”
