In a major statement just ahead of the much-anticipated Asia Cup clash, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has declared that the board will no longer “beg” India to resume bilateral cricket. Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Naqvi insisted that any future negotiations with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) would be held on “equal footing.”
“I think we are very clear that whenever talks are held, it will be on an equal footing with India and there will be no more begging for negotiations. That time has passed and whatever will happen will be on the basis of equality,” Naqvi said.
The PCB chief’s comments come at a time of significant tension between the two cricket boards. India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2012 due to geopolitical tensions. While the two teams continue to face off in multi-nation events, disagreements have flared up over hosting rights, with India refusing to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year. As a result, this year’s Asia Cup, which India has the hosting rights for, is being held at a neutral venue in the UAE.
Naqvi’s firm stance follows the Indian government’s recent announcement of a new sports policy that officially bars bilateral engagements with Pakistan. However, the policy allows for participation in multilateral events, clearing the way for the high-octane India-Pakistan match in the Asia Cup on September 14.