The Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohsin Naqvi, has confidently declared that Pakistan will host the entire Champions Trophy 2025. He emphasized that there are no plans to alter the location of the tournament. Naqvi firmly rejected any suggestions of a Hybrid Model for hosting the event, which was used during the 2023 Asia Cup.
Naqvi made these statements after inspecting the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. He reassured fans and the global cricket community that Pakistan is fully prepared to host the tournament. He also addressed the concerns raised by some parties, particularly India, regarding security issues.
India’s Participation Remains Uncertain
While Pakistan is ready to host the tournament, the participation of India remains unclear. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has expressed concerns over the security situation in Pakistan. As a result, India has not confirmed whether it will send its team to the Champions Trophy.
Naqvi, however, invited India to discuss any concerns directly with the PCB. He stated that the PCB is open to addressing any issues and that there is no reason for India not to visit Pakistan for the event. According to Naqvi, all other teams have confirmed their participation, and there is no hesitation on their part.
PCB’s Stance on Security Concerns
In response to India’s reluctance, Naqvi said that the PCB is ready to ease any concerns that India may have. He pointed out that no other team has raised any issues regarding security, and thus, there is no valid reason for India to stay away. The PCB remains committed to ensuring the Champions Trophy 2025 takes place in Pakistan.
Naqvi also reaffirmed that Pakistan’s pride and respect are the priorities. He made it clear that Pakistan will not entertain the idea of a Hybrid Model, where the tournament could be split between different countries. The PCB is holding firm on its position, and they are awaiting a formal response from India or the ICC on the matter.
BCCI’s Response Still Pending
The PCB has been waiting for a written response from the BCCI explaining why they are unwilling to travel to Pakistan. Naqvi revealed that the International Cricket Council (ICC) and BCCI have yet to respond to the questions sent by the PCB. Despite this delay, Naqvi remains hopeful that the Champions Trophy will go ahead as planned.
Naqvi also stressed the importance of separating sports from politics. He expressed his belief that the tournament should not be influenced by political issues. The PCB chairman remains optimistic that the event will proceed smoothly and that India will participate.
ICC’s Pressure on PCB Regarding Trophy Tour
During the tournament’s lead-up, the ICC made some controversial decisions about the Champions Trophy tour in Pakistan. Certain cities, including Skardu, Hunza, and Muzaffarabad, located in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, were excluded from the itinerary. This decision followed objections from the BCCI, which has led to tensions between the PCB and the ICC.
Naqvi criticized the ICC for pressuring Pakistan to alter the trophy tour. He questioned the ICC’s credibility, suggesting that the organization should be impartial and supportive of all cricket boards. Naqvi expressed disappointment at the changes made to the tour but confirmed that the PCB had not been informed of any cancellations.
PCB Stands Strong on Hosting Champions Trophy 2025
The PCB is standing firm on its commitment to host the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Despite security concerns raised by India and the influence of political factors, Pakistan remains ready to welcome the world’s best teams. Naqvi’s comments show that the PCB is determined to proceed with the event on their terms, without compromising on the country’s pride.
The outcome of this situation will heavily depend on the ICC’s involvement and their response to the ongoing discussions. For now, Pakistan holds out hope that India will agree to participate and that the tournament will be a major success.
