Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi addressed the ongoing discussions regarding the hosting of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, emphasizing that the board will make decisions in the best interests of Pakistan cricket.
Earlier this month, the PCB had written to the International Cricket Council (ICC) seeking clarification on India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the tournament, citing security concerns. India’s stance has raised questions about the tournament’s future in Pakistan, and the PCB has been actively engaging with the ICC to resolve the matter.
At a press conference at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Naqvi reiterated the PCB’s firm position on the issue. “Our stance is very clear,” he said. “We will do what is best for Pakistan cricket. I’m in constant communication with the ICC chairman, and my team is regularly in touch with the ICC as well. Our position remains unchanged — it is not acceptable for us to play cricket in India while they refuse to come here. Any decision will be made based on equality.”
Naqvi further stated that the PCB has requested India to submit its objections in writing regarding any concerns over traveling to Pakistan. “They need to formally provide us with their objections. To date, there have been no discussions about a hybrid model, nor are we prepared to accept one,” he added, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to hosting the tournament as planned.
The PCB chief also expressed hope that Jay Shah, who is set to assume the top role at the ICC in December, will prioritize the broader interests of cricket when making decisions. “Once Jay Shah moves from the BCCI to the ICC, I’m confident he will focus on the betterment of the sport. It’s crucial that any individual in such a role considers the welfare of the entire cricketing community,” Naqvi said.
The ICC had previously informed the PCB in writing that India would not be traveling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy in early 2025. This decision has led to consultations between the PCB and the Pakistan government to present a unified stance on the issue.
The ICC is expected to hold a virtual meeting on Friday, November 29, to discuss the fate of the 2025 Champions Trophy. The outcome of this meeting will determine whether the tournament will proceed in Pakistan or if an alternative arrangement will be made. The official schedule for the tournament, which is slated to run from February 19 to March, has yet to be released by the ICC.
Naqvi concluded by stating that the PCB would continue to stand firm in its efforts to ensure that Pakistan hosts the event, with the final decision likely to come after the ICC meeting.