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Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Monday, November 18 opened up on the developments around Champions Trophy 2025 after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed its decision to not travel to Pakistan for the marquee tournament. The PCB Chair in his latest media address offered to open up on India’s concerns over their travel, reiterating that Pakistan still stands against hosting the tournament in hybrid model.
Speaking while inspecting the renovation work underway at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Mohsin Naqvi also confirmed reports claiming the Pakistan has written to the International Cricket Council (ICC), requesting the BCCI to elaborate on the reasons to not travel to their neighbouring nation, further adding that they still await a response on the same.
If India has any concerns, they must talk to us: Mohsin Naqvi
Addressing the media on Monday in Lahore, Mohsin Naqvi opened up on talking and discussing the concerns India has in order to resolve them and conduct the tournament entirely in Pakistan. “If India has any concerns about sending their team to Pakistan they must talk to us and we will remove them. I don’t think there is any reason for India not to come to Pakistan for Champions Trophy,” Naqvi told reporters. The PCB Chairman also spoke of not following the hybrid model, something which is advocated by the BCCI.
“Pakistan’s pride and respect is our priority. Champions Trophy will take place in our country only, we will not accept hybrid model. If India has any issues, they can come to us and we will sort them out. We stand firm on our stance that we will not go for a hybrid model. We’re waiting for the ICC to announce the schedule as soon as possible,” Naqvi added.
He further informed of the readiness of all other teams to travel to Pakistan for the 50-over tournament adding, “Every other team that has qualified for the CHampions Trophy is ready to come. No one has any concern.” When asked if the PCB would consider withdrawing from the tournament if Pakistan were required to host it in hybrid model, Naqvi stated, “Pakistan’s respect is first and foremost. Rest, you will see what happens. Our stance is very clear, we have made it clear in the past.”
It is to be noted that the Champions Trophy is marking its return since last being played in 2017 in England. As per the tentative schedule, the tournament is set to be played from 19 February, with the final scheduled for March 9. Moreover, as per the scheduled, India will play all its matches in Lahore with Karachi and Rawalpindi being the other two venues.
