- PCB is in direct contact with the ICC, awaiting a response: Mohsin Naqvi.
- Criticizing India, Naqvi emphasizes the separation of sports and politics.
- “Aqib Javed appointed interim white-ball coach for 3 months”
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has said that Pakistan is ready to address India’s concerns about crossing the border to play in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
“If India has concerns, it should inform us, and we will address its concerns,” Naqvi, who also holds the portfolio of home minister, told reporters at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Monday.
India has reportedly refused to visit Pakistan to participate in the major tournament with Islamabad, which had previously shown courtesy, sticking to its stand on hosting the event as several other countries have already visited to attend the matches.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is currently left with limited options after the cricket board responded to an email informing Pakistan of India’s decision not to travel to the neighboring country for the Champions Trophy.
The sources said Geographic News After obtaining answers from the ICC, the PCC plans to seek legal advice and consult the government for guidance in formulating its next steps.
PCB Chairman Naqvi reiterated that the Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan, saying, “We are committed to hosting the tournament in Pakistan as planned.”
He explained that the Coordination Council is in direct contact with the International Criminal Court and is awaiting their response.
Naqvi stressed the separation between sports and politics, saying: “Sports and politics are two completely different things.”
He also urged the immediate announcement of the tournament schedule, noting the importance of completing the necessary preparations on time.
Speaking about the latest developments, Naqvi stressed that the Champions Trophy tour has not been canceled but has been rescheduled, adding that Pakistan remains committed to hosting the event successfully.
The Champions Trophy tour began in Islamabad two days ago after Pakistan’s match line-up was reviewed by the ICC following objections from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The revised schedule includes new stations such as Taxila, Khanpur, Abbottabad, Natia Gali and Karachi, replacing the initially announced locations of Muzaffarabad, Hunza and Skardu.
Modernization of Gaddafi Stadium
While speaking to reporters, Naqvi gave updates on various developments within the board and ongoing projects.
He said that work on Gaddafi Stadium is progressing rapidly and will be completed within the specified time frame.
He added: “We are closely monitoring the development work at Gaddafi Stadium to ensure everything goes on schedule.”
Discussing the coaching roles, Naqvi explained: “Aqib Javed has been appointed as interim white-ball coach for a period of three months.” He added that the process of appointing a permanent coach will begin soon.
Addressing other matters, the PCB Chairman assured that Wahab Riaz continues to actively fulfill his responsibilities and emphasized that no one has been removed from their roles.
Regarding Mohamed Yousuf, he said: “We will not allow him to leave. I am bringing the cricketers together, and I am not allowing them to leave.”
He also stressed the importance of Abdul Razzaq, saying that he is “very important to me.”