Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has endorsed Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s principled stand amid the dispute over the venue of matches with India for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Naqvi met Prime Minister Shehbaz at his residence on Sunday and apprised him of the recent developments regarding the ICC Champions Trophy which is scheduled to be held in Pakistan in February-March next year.
However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refused to send its team to Pakistan after its government did not issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to travel to the neighboring country. .
The BCCI had called for the tournament to be played on a hybrid model with the Indian team’s matches and the final to be played in another country such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Subsequently, the PCB chief had asked the ICC to allow a similar concession to Pakistan in all ICC events played in India.
The prime minister said that Naqvi’s stand reflected the voice of Pakistanis, adding that the PCB chief represented the sentiments of 240 million Pakistanis before the international cricket governing body.
“Pakistan’s dignity is first and foremost while everything else is secondary,” the prime minister asserted.
Naqvi, who also holds the portfolio of the country’s interior minister, said that the PCB is fully prepared to host the Champions Trophy in Pakistan and all preparations are complete.
He assured that PCB wants Pakistan and cricket to win, adding that the nation will get good news on the upcoming tournament.
A day earlier, the PCB chairman expressed hope for “better decisions” for the Champions Trophy 2025 despite the postponement of the crucial ICC meeting yesterday.
Sources said Geo News That the BCCI did not respond to the demands made by the PCB, the ICC meeting was postponed.
“Discussions are on, however, I will not comment on anything at this time,” Naqvi said while addressing a press conference during a visit to the Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) ground.
Naqvi had said: “The decision has to be taken by the ICC and it will announce it.”
Responding to a question regarding the global cricketing body’s treatment of all boards equally, Naqvi replied: “If the ICC develops, it will lead to the development of the entire world cricket, as well as any member of the ICC.” The lack of variety will affect world cricket, however, I hope we will see improvement.”
Sources also claimed two days ago that Pakistan and India had a “breakthrough” on the venue of the event a day ago, with either of them hosting ICC tournaments. It was agreed to play their matches at neutral venues.
He added that Pakistan and India are also engaged in ongoing discussions, with the ICC also a part of the talks, aimed at finding a solution and finalizing the tournament schedule – which will be reworked due to the hybrid model. What was being done?
Among the issues discussed by the stakeholders are issues related to logistics. Sources said that the ICC meeting will be held after finalizing the matters at the executive level.