With uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s hosting of the Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed hope that a “long-term” formula will be worked out, which the country will And be beneficial for both cricket, which will apply to Pakistan. All future International Cricket Council (ICC) events.
“We will not allow unilateral decisions. […] Decisions should be made on the basis of equality,” Naqvi, who is also the interior minister, told reporters in Dubai on Saturday.
The tournament in Pakistan has become a point of contention between Pakistan and India, with the BCCI refusing to send its team to Pakistan citing security concerns despite assurances.
An online meeting called by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday to resolve the issue lasted just 15 minutes without any concrete results.
The PCB has categorically rejected the hybrid model proposed during the virtual meeting, whereby all India’s matches would be played outside Pakistan.
Sources say that the Indian cricket governing body has reportedly asked for more time after Pakistan’s tough stand.
Speaking to the media today, Naqvi said it is not appropriate for Pakistan to visit India for ICC events, but the neighboring country does not, stressing the need for “long-term dialogue”.
He further said that the decisions cannot be limited to Champions Trophy only, the formula has to be developed for future tournaments.
In another development, the PCB chief today met Mubasher Usmani, chairman of the ICC Associate Member Committee and former secretary of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), in Dubai.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the PCB said that Naqvi discussed “critical issues regarding the organization of the Champions Trophy tournament” in his meeting with Usmani.
“Pakistan is all set to host the tournament in our country. We are a peaceful nation, and our people have a deep love for cricket.” Naqvi said to Mubashir.
Chairman PCB and his team also assured that presidential level security will be provided to all the teams coming during the event.
Expressing his excitement for the tournament, he said, “Cricket fans in Pakistan are eagerly awaiting the matches. Every participating team will be provided official guest level protocol and security.”
Reflecting on the concerns raised by the BCCI, Naqvi stressed the importance of keeping cricket away from politics. “This tournament is a great honor for our country. We warmly welcome every team with open hearts and will ensure a world-class experience for all.”
Apart from discussing the Champions Trophy, the meeting also focused on the promotion of cricket in both Pakistan and UAE.
‘not acceptable’
The PCB chief had already conveyed Pakistan’s position during a meeting with ICC chief executive Jeff Allardyce in Dubai on Thursday, reiterating that the board would not consider the proposal.
“This is not acceptable. Whenever Pakistan needs to play India, we comply. Yet when it is India’s turn to play Pakistan, excuses are made. Same with both nations. There should be equal treatment under the principle,” Naqvi asserted. He added that while other viable solutions could be considered, the hybrid model was completely off the table.
The ICC board deferred the issue leaving it to the PCB, ICC and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to find a solution. Sources revealed that Pakistan’s intransigent stance has put the ICC in a difficult position, with options now including possible postponement of the tournament, rescheduling or introducing a back-up host country like Sri Lanka. is
Adding to the ongoing mess, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the Indian team was “unlikely” to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy due to “security concerns”.
The spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs blamed the BCCI and said that it was concerned about the security of the Indian team. “It is the BCCI that has to take the final decision regarding the team’s tour of Pakistan,” said an Indian ministry spokesperson.
BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla has consistently emphasized that the board will strictly follow the instructions issued by the Indian government. Mohsin Naqvi dismissed the concerns and highlighted Pakistan’s proven track record in hosting international teams over the past six years.