On Sunday, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi initiated discussions with senior government officials following the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) notification that India is unwilling to travel to Pakistan for next year’s Champions Trophy. The PCB confirmed receiving an email from the ICC regarding India’s reluctance, despite Naqvi’s earlier rejection of a ‘Hybrid Model.’
“Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the federal interior minister, is in talks with government officials, awaiting directions from Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif,” a PCB official stated. The official expressed disappointment over India’s stance, despite Pakistan’s assurance of providing top-tier security for all teams, including India’s, during the event.
“This is unacceptable, as there is no valid reason for India to refuse to send its team to Pakistan. Preparations for the tournament are on track, and we have reassured the ICC of the best security arrangements for all participating teams,” the official said.
The official acknowledged that Pakistan could face financial losses if it takes a firm stance on boycotting all matches against India. However, they expressed readiness to accept such consequences. Speculation in Pakistan suggests that the government might instruct the PCB to halt all matches with India in ICC or other multi-team events, starting with the Champions Trophy, unless India’s stance changes. Pakistan may also consider raising the issue of India politicizing sports with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) if the boycott extends to future encounters.
The news has sparked anger within Pakistan’s cricket community. Former Test captain Rashid Latif criticized India’s decision, urging the PCB to issue a strong response. “Enough is enough. When all other teams are playing in Pakistan without issue, India’s decision is purely political and should be unacceptable across all sports, including cricket,” Latif said.
Former Test captain Javed Miandad called for a complete boycott of matches with India, asserting, “It’s a joke. Even if we don’t play India, Pakistan cricket will not only survive but thrive, as we’ve shown before.” Miandad further questioned the financial implications of such a scenario, saying, “Let’s see how ICC events make money without India and Pakistan matches.”
Inzamam ul Haq, another former Test captain, also expressed disappointment. “This decision deprives cricket of a major occasion. There is no threat to India in Pakistan. In fact, they would receive the best hospitality here,” he said.
India has not sent its cricket team to Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup. However, Pakistan has visited India for a bilateral white-ball series in 2012-13, the 2016 T20 World Cup, and the 2023 50-over World Cup.
Former Test batsman Mohsin Khan stressed that politics should never be mixed with sports. “Does the Indian government truly believe there is any threat to their team in Pakistan? I would advise calm and patience before making any decisions,” he stated.