PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi has allegedly reserved the Champions Trophy 2025 for Pakistan and suggested that India should raise any concerns with the PCB.
The PCB Chairman also stressed that even the Hybrid Model, where all of India’s matches would be in a neutral location, will not be entertained.
“Pakistan’s pride and respect is above everything. The Champions Trophy will be held in this country, and we will not agree to the Hybrid Model. They should come to us if India has any concerns and we will resolve them,” Naqvi was quoted as saying by Times of India(TOI)
At the same time, Naqvi urged the ICC to act as it was intended — as a controlling entity that governs member cricketing nations in the world and went on to add that they had not been informed about the postponement of the event.
“Wilfully maintaining the reputation of the ICC, I would like to point out that that body is supposed to be the representative of all cricket’s stakeholders. The itinerary has been revised but no such notice regarding cancellation has been served. Every other qualified team for the Champions Trophy, which is in the world, is ready to come and has no problems,” he claimed.
The Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board also stressed that there should be sports and politics but they should not mix and cross interfere.
“I still believe that sports and politics should not interfere with each other, and I am optimistic,” he said.
The Champions Trophy makes a comeback after eight years with Pakistan as the reigning champions. In 2017, under the leadership of Sarfaraz Ahmed, they defeated India by 180 runs to win the Championship.
The Indian government is minded to join the team, however, there has been no team travel to Pakistan since the year 2008. Both countries were unable to play any bilateral matches due to political tensions.
Throughout the years many past cricketers as well as politicians have voiced their opinions on the matter of India’s participation but in the end, it is the government of India which will have the last word.
