Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has once again criticized India ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy. Speaking at a press conference on November 28, Naqvi expressed his dissatisfaction with India’s refusal to participate in an ICC tournament in Pakistan, despite the Pakistani team traveling to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Naqvi, who is working to ensure that the Champions Trophy is fully hosted in Pakistan amidst ongoing political tensions between the two nations, stated that he would do everything in the best interest of Pakistan cricket. He mentioned being in constant communication with ICC officials and reiterated the PCB’s firm stance on hosting the entire tournament in Pakistan.
“We will do what is best for Pakistan cricket. I am in constant contact with the ICC chairman, and my team is in regular discussions with them. We are clear in our position that it’s unacceptable for us to play in India and for India not to play here. Everything will be based on equality. We have communicated this clearly to the ICC, and we will update you on what happens next,” Naqvi stated.
He also confirmed that the PCB had not received any official communication from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding their refusal to travel to Pakistan.
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“Whatever steps we take, we will ensure that the best outcome for Pakistan cricket is achieved,” Naqvi emphasized. “But I want to reiterate that it is not acceptable for Pakistan to play in India while India refuses to come here.”
The ICC is set to meet on November 29 to discuss the Champions Trophy and finalize the schedule for the eight-team event, which is scheduled to take place in early 2025. The announcement of the tournament fixtures has been delayed.
While Pakistan holds the hosting rights for the Champions Trophy, India’s refusal to send its cricket team to Pakistan has created a deadlock. The PCB has rejected the idea of a hybrid model, which would involve hosting some matches at a neutral venue. Naqvi reaffirmed this stance last week, offering assurances regarding security to address India’s concerns.