Daily Times

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed on Friday that PCB has not received any official communication from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding India’s decision to decline playing their scheduled ICC Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan next year.

Naqvi’s statement comes hours after reports in Indian media claimed that India had refused to travel to Pakistan for the tournament, which is set to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025.

India media on Friday reported that BCCI has formally informed the Pakistan Cricket Board that it will not travel to Pakistan for ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held next year in February.

According to Indian media, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) communicated its decision to the PCB, requesting that India’s matches be relocated to Dubai.

“This has been our stance for a long time, and we don’t want to change it. We have written to the PCB and asked them to shift our matches to Dubai,” the Indian media quoted sources in BCCI as saying.

Speaking to reporters in Lahore, Naqvi said that, as of now, no official letter has been received from the BCCI or the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirming India’s stance.

“We have a clear stance that they must give it to us in writing if they [the Indian cricket board] have any issues. Till today, we have not spoken about any hybrid model, but we’re ready to speak on this,” he added.

In response to the reports in the Indian media, Naqvi stated that the PCB would not act on rumors and would wait for a formal response.

“If Indian media is reporting this, then there must be some letter the ICC will give us, or the Indian Board might have written this somewhere. Till now, no such letter has reached me or the PCB,” Naqvi explained.

Naqvi also reiterated the PCB’s commitment to ensuring that cricket remains free from political interference. “We want cricket to be devoid of politics. No sport in the world should have these kinds of politics,” he remarked.

When asked about the possibility of a “hybrid model” – where some of India’s matches could be held at neutral venues, such as Dubai – Naqvi stated that any decision on the matter would be taken in consultation with the Pakistani government. “I will have to take the matter to the government and enforce whatever decision they make,” he added.

Despite the uncertainty over India’s participation, Naqvi expressed confidence that Pakistan’s preparations for the Champions Trophy would continue as planned, underscoring the PCB’s resolve to host a successful tournament.

“We will continue the preparations for the Champions Trophy that you’re currently seeing, and God willing, it will be a successful event,” he concluded.

It is worth noting that an International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation is expected to visit Lahore from November 10 to 12 to assess Pakistan’s preparations for the tournament.

An official event on November 11 is anticipated, during which the tournament’s schedule and key details will likely be unveiled. Sources indicate that the schedule has already been shared with member nations.

As per the proposed groups, Pakistan will be in Group A with India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Group B includes England, South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan.

The Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025, with matches set across Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. Lahore will host seven matches, including the final on March 9, while Karachi’s National Stadium will stage the tournament opener and a semi-final. The other semi-final will take place in Rawalpindi.