December 8, 2024: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has assured full support to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi amid the ongoing dispute with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the hosting of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Sharif emphasised that Pakistan must prioritise its self-respect in resolving the matter, according to sources.
As the PCB’s patron-in-chief, Sharif told Naqvi during a meeting that this issue goes beyond financial considerations, urging the board to uphold the sentiments of the Pakistani public. “The stance adopted by the PCB reflects the feelings of all Pakistanis when it comes to the Champions Trophy after India’s refusal to play in Pakistan,” Sharif reportedly said, as per Geo TV.
The controversy stems from India’s refusal to play its Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan. The BCCI has proposed a “hybrid model,” allowing the Indian team to play its matches at a neutral venue. Reports from the ICC indicate a consensus to adopt this hybrid model, enabling India to play in Dubai while Pakistan continues to host other matches on its home turf.
Naqvi briefed Sharif on the latest developments, keeping the Prime Minister informed of potential next steps. Sources claim the PCB chief sought Sharif’s approval for any firm action required to resolve the deadlock. “The Prime Minister assured his complete support to the PCB on the issue and appreciated the chairman’s stance regarding India’s refusal to play in Pakistan,” an insider revealed.
The PCB has also proposed a reciprocal arrangement to the ICC, under which Pakistan would refrain from playing matches in India if the Indian team refuses to participate in ICC events held in Pakistan. However, this “fusion formula” has reportedly not been accepted by the BCCI, prompting further negotiations at the ICC headquarters in Dubai.
Naqvi stated that any final decision on the Champions Trophy will be made in consultation with the government. Meanwhile, Sharif reiterated that pride and respect for the nation should take precedence in such discussions.
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