Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi dug his heels in and refused to entertain the idea of hosting a part of the Champions Trophy in a neutral venue to accommodate India’s safety concerns. However, back-channel negotiations are underway to convince the PCB that adopting a hybrid model is the most pragmatic solution, given India’s reluctance to travel across the border for the 50-over tournament in 2025.
India Today has learnt that top cricket administrators are emphasising the importance of India’s participation in the marquee International Cricket Council (ICC) tournament, given the significant following and revenue the Men in Blue bring. The PCB has also been made aware of the financial consequences if they withdraw from the event. Pakistan has been urged to refrain from making statements against the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and to start working towards a hybrid model to facilitate smooth planning for the eight-team tournament.
“We are still in discussions with the host and participating members on the Champions Trophy schedule. It should be out soon, likely in a couple of days or so,” a source familiar with the developments said.
Notably, when asked whether Pakistan would withdraw from the tournament if the ICC proposed a hybrid model, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi responded: “Pakistan’s respect is first and foremost. Rest, you will see what happens. Our stance is very clear; we have made it clear in the past.”
There has been a delay in announcing the schedule for the Champions Trophy, which is in a limbo because of the stand-off between the two boards.
The PCB agreed to hosting last year’s Asia Cup in a hybrid model after India refused to travel to Pakistan. As many as nine out of 13 matches, including the final, were held in Sri Lanka. However, Pakistan are firm on not taking a similar route.
On Monday, Mohsin Naqvi confirmed media reports claiming that Pakistan had written to the International Cricket Council (ICC), requesting the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to explain its reasons for not visiting the neighbouring nation. The BCCI, in a letter to the ICC, had stated that its senior men’s team would not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in February-March next year.
Naqvi was overseeing the degradation of the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore when he spoke to the press about the recent developments in the Champions Trophy preparations.
Paksitan have been arguing that all the other international teams haven’t had issues travelling to the Asian nation in the recent past.
“Every other team that has qualified for the Champions Trophy is ready to come. No one has any concern,” Naqvi said, offering to ease India’s safety concerns.
“If India have any concerns, we will talk, and we will ensure that concerns are taken care of. I don’t think there is any reason why India can’t come to Pakistan.
“Hopefully, all the teams will come,” he added.
It looks likely that a hybrid model will be adopted to host the Champions Trophy. India are likely to play their matches in the UAE.
