LONDON: England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Chairman Richard Thompson has extended his “best wishes” to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for hosting the 2025 ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in the February-March window next year.
This development came during a meeting between PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and European Central Bank President Thompson in London. According to PCB, Chairman Naqvi, accompanied by Salman Naseer, met the ECB president on Friday amid the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the mega eight-team tournament.
“England’s recent tour of Pakistan was very impressive. Our best wishes to Pakistan for a Champions Trophy win,” PCB quoted Thompson as saying.
In response, PCB Chairman Naqvi reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to host the event, highlighting the ongoing renovations of major stadiums.
“Pakistan is ready to host the Champions Trophy. The stadiums are under development,” Naqvi assured Thompson.
The Chairman of the Program Coordination Board also indicated that the participating teams will be granted the State Guest Protocol when they visit Pakistan.
“Secure arrangements are being made at all levels for the Champions Cup. He added that the visiting teams will be given the state guest protocol.
The development came a day after a report emerged claiming that the International Cricket Council (ICC) had asked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to provide a written justification for its decisions not to visit Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Previously, the PCC had sought a written copy of India’s official position on the ICC.
As per ICC regulations, the Indian Board must provide strong reasons not to travel to Pakistan to attend this prestigious event.
Insiders revealed that the ICC will evaluate these reasons before making a final decision on the matter.