Dubai [UAE], December 1: With the future of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 hanging in balance, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi dismissed the possibility of hosting the tournament in a hybrid model, emphasizing that any new formula must ensure equality between nations.
The uncertainty stems from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reiterating its refusal to travel to Pakistan for the tournament, citing security concerns. However, PCB has remained steadfast in its stance that the entire event must be hosted in Pakistan.
On Friday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) convened a meeting with all member boards to deliberate on the fate of the Champions Trophy. Addressing reporters on Saturday, Naqvi ruled out a hybrid hosting model and pushed for a balanced approach.
“We will do what’s best for cricket. It’s definitely not a hybrid formula, but if a new formula is formed, it will be an equal one,” Naqvi stated in a video posted by PCB Media on X. He further added, “We will not allow one-sided decisions. Decisions should be made based on equality.”
Due to strained political relations, India has not toured Pakistan since 2008, and bilateral cricket has been limited to ICC tournaments and Asia Cups. India and Pakistan last played a bilateral series in 2012-13 in India. Pakistan, however, has visited India for major tournaments, including the 2016 T20 World Cup and the recently concluded 2023 ODI World Cup.
On Friday, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, reinforced BCCI’s position, citing security concerns, and noted that it is “unlikely” India will send its team to Pakistan.
Naqvi criticized this disparity, stressing the need for equal treatment. “This is not acceptable that one-sided things happen. Every time Pakistan cannot play in India, we comply. Both nations must be treated equally under the same rules,” he asserted.
On Saturday, PCB shared updates about a meeting between Naqvi and Mubashir Usmani, chairman of the ICC Associate Member Committee and former Emirates Cricket Board secretary, held in Dubai to discuss critical matters regarding the tournament’s organization.