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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohasin Naqvi on Friday, November 8 opened up after reports surfaced around the Champions Trophy 2025 being hosted in hybrid model. However, the PCB Chair denied the rumours straight up, he also confirmed that they haven’t received any official statement from the Board of Control for Cricket India (BCCI) or the Indian government.
Addressing the media on Friday, Naqvi stated that Pakistan still awaits on a response from the Indian government on India’s participation in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. However, he further reinstated on the importance of hosting the tournament in the country in order to promote cricketing ties.
No official word from BCCI: Mohsin Naqvi
Speaking after inspecting the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore ahead of the marquee tournament, when asked about reports of India’s participation, Naqvi said, “I will take anything writing to the government and whatever decision they take we have to follow them.” He also confirmed that if he gets anything from the Indian government, he’ll be the first to share. “If we get anything in writing on India not coming or coming to Pakistan, I will be the first to share it with the government and media,” he added.
The PCB Chair also shut down rumours of the tournament being hosted in hybrid model as he said, “Till today, no one has discussed any ‘Hybrid Model’ with us nor we are willing to talk about it. But we have been showing good gestures for the last few years and no one should expect us to do it all the time.” “As far as we are concerned, the tournament is being held in Pakistan on schedule and all teams will play here. All the other boards are looking forward to playing in Pakistan,” he added.
It is to be noted that India last travelled to Pakistan in 2008 for Asia Cup. The two nations haven’t played any bilateral series since 2012-13 and only lock horns in ICC tournaments. Notably, in 2023, Pakistan toured India for the ODI World Cup, where they suffered a group stage exit.
