- We will not allow unilateral decisions to be taken, Mohsin Naqvi pledges.
- “Decisions cannot be limited to the Champions Cup.”
- Pakistan is fully prepared to host the tournament: PCB Chairman.
With uncertainty emerging over the Champions Trophy 2025 being hosted by Pakistan, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed optimism that a “long-term” formula, which will be beneficial for both the country and cricket, will be put in place and which will apply to all events. The future of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
“We will not allow unilateral decisions to be taken,” Naqvi, who is also the Interior Minister, said while speaking to reporters in Dubai on Saturday. “Decisions should be taken on the basis of equality.”
The tournament, scheduled to be held in Pakistan, has become a bone of contention between Pakistan and India, with BCCI refusing to send its team to Pakistan, citing security concerns despite assurances.
An online meeting held by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday aimed at resolving the issue lasted just 15 minutes without concrete results.
The PCB board flatly rejected the hybrid model proposed during the virtual meeting, under which all India’s matches would be played outside Pakistan.
The sources said Geographic News That the governing body of Indian cricket asked for more time after Pakistan’s firm stance.
Speaking to the media today, Naqvi said it was unfair that Pakistan visits India to attend ICC events, but the neighboring country does not, stressing the need for “long-term talks”.
He added that decisions cannot be limited to the Champions Cup only, adding that a formula must be developed for future tournaments.
In another development, the PCB Chairman met Mubasher Usmani, Chairman of the ICC Affiliate Members Committee and former Secretary of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) in Dubai today.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the PCB said that in his meeting with Usmani, Naqvi discussed “important issues related to the organization of the Champions Trophy tournament”.
“Pakistan is fully prepared to host the tournament in our country. We are a peaceful nation, and our people have a deep love for cricket.” Naqvi told Mubasher.
The PCB Chairman and his team also assured that all incoming teams will receive presidential level security during the event.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the tournament, he said, “Cricket fans in Pakistan are eagerly awaiting the matches. Every participating team will be provided with country-level protocol and security.”
Reflecting on the concerns raised by the BCCI, Naqvi stressed the importance of keeping cricket separate from politics. “This tournament is a great honor for our country,” he added. “We warmly welcome every team with open hearts and will ensure a world-class experience for everyone,” he added.
Besides discussing the Champions Trophy, the meeting also focused on promoting cricket in both Pakistan and the UAE.
“unacceptable”
The PCB chief has already communicated Pakistan’s position during discussions with ICC CEO Jeff Allardyce in Dubai on Thursday, reiterating that the board will not accept this proposal.
“This is unacceptable. Every time Pakistan is asked to play in India, we abide by it. However, when it is India’s turn to play in Pakistan, excuses are made. Naqvi stressed that the two countries should be treated equally under the same rules. He added that while Other practical solutions could be considered, but a hybrid model was never on the cards.
The ICC board postponed the issue, leaving it to the PCB, ICC and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to find a solution. Sources revealed that Pakistan’s steadfast stance has put the ICC in a difficult position, with options now including a possible postponement of the tournament, rescheduling or introducing a standby host nation such as Sri Lanka.
Adding to the ongoing chaos, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said it was “unlikely” for the Indian team to travel to Pakistan to participate in the Champions Trophy due to “security concerns”.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs placed the responsibility on the BCCI, saying it feared for the security of the Indian team. An Indian ministry spokesman said: “It is the BCCI that should take the final decision on the team’s visit to Pakistan.”
BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla has consistently emphasized that the Board will strictly adhere to the directions issued by the Indian government. Mohsin Naqvi dismissed these concerns and explained Pakistan’s track record in hosting international teams over the past six years.