Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated that the PCB is not ready to accept a hybrid model for hosting the Champions Trophy, emphasizing Pakistan’s readiness to organize the entire tournament domestically. At a media briefing at Gaddafi Stadium, currently under renovation for the Champions Trophy, Naqvi clarified that no official communication had been received from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding any objections to India’s participation in Pakistan.
PCB’s Stance Against a Hybrid Model
Naqvi’s remarks highlighted Pakistan’s firm stance on hosting the Champions Trophy without alternative venues, countering Indian media reports suggesting India’s reluctance to travel. “In the last two months, Indian media has reported that India is not traveling,” Naqvi said, urging that any objections be communicated officially to the PCB. He stressed that the PCB has yet to discuss, and will not entertain, any hybrid model proposal.
Pakistan’s Reciprocal Gesture Concerns
Naqvi highlighted Pakistan’s past gestures towards India, such as the team’s participation in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India despite India’s refusal to play in Pakistan for the Asia Cup, which ultimately led to a hybrid model played partially in Sri Lanka. Naqvi warned that if India refuses to attend the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, Pakistan’s government may reconsider future visits to India. He underscored that the PCB would defer to the government’s decision on international tournaments.
Political Tensions Affecting Cricket
The historically tense relationship between Pakistan and India has strained cricket relations, with no bilateral series since Pakistan’s visit to India in 2012-13 and no Test cricket between the countries since 2007. Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister, stressed that “Cricket should be free of politics” and argued that sports events should remain unaffected by political discord.
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He emphasized the PCB’s commitment to providing top facilities for every participating country, expressing the desire for fans from around the world to enjoy the tournament. To facilitate Indian fans, the PCB has offered to host all of India’s matches in Lahore, bordering the Indian city of Amritsar, which would simplify travel logistics. The PCB has indicated its preparedness to provide up to 17,000 visas for Indian fans to support the event.
Global Support for Pakistan as Host
Naqvi asserted that “almost every country” supports Pakistan hosting the Champions Trophy. He shared that he remains in touch with several international cricket boards, each showing enthusiasm to play in Pakistan. The PCB’s preparations reflect Pakistan’s aim to make the tournament accessible for international fans, underscoring the appeal of hosting this ICC event.
Awaiting BCCI’s Official Response
Despite Naqvi’s statements, reports indicate that the BCCI has yet to conduct internal discussions or seek Indian government approval for participating in the tournament. Therefore, the Indian board’s stance remains unchanged, awaiting direction from the government regarding the national team’s participation in Pakistan.
The Champions Trophy will held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, though the ICC has not yet announced an official schedule. However, with strong backing from global cricket boards and a firm stance against hybrid hosting, the PCB remains resolute in hosting the tournament on home soil, aiming to showcase Pakistan’s readiness and enthusiasm for international cricket events.
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