November 28, 2024: The issue surrounding the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy has escalated with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief, Mohsin Naqvi, reaffirming the board’s firm stance on the matter. Naqvi spoke publicly on Thursday, stressing that the PCB’s position regarding the tournament’s venue remains clear and resolute, despite challenges arising from India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan.
Earlier in November, PCB had written to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to seek clarification from India regarding its objections to traveling to Pakistan for the event, citing security concerns. This stance was further amplified by Naqvi, who emphasized the principle of equality in international cricket. The PCB’s position is that Pakistan should not be expected to play in India if India is unwilling to play in Pakistan, underscoring that cricket should be played on an equal footing between the two nations.
In the press conference held at Gaddafi Stadium, Naqvi said:
“Our stance is very clear. I promise we’ll do what is best for Pakistan cricket. I’m constantly in touch with the ICC chairman and my team is talking to them constantly. We’re still clear in our stance that it’s not acceptable that we play cricket in India, and they don’t play cricket here. Whatever will happen, will happen on the basis of equality.”
He further stated that India should officially communicate any objections they have regarding the Champions Trophy and the logistics of traveling to Pakistan. Naqvi was firm in his rejection of any “hybrid model” — a suggestion that has been floated, which would involve holding some of the matches of the tournament outside Pakistan due to India’s stance.
Additionally, Naqvi expressed hope that when Jay Shah takes over the top ICC position in December, he will prioritize the interests of international cricket and not those of any individual board. Naqvi indicated that he expects Shah, currently the BCCI secretary, to adopt a more global approach once he steps into the ICC chairmanship.
“[Jay Shah] takes charge in December, and I’m sure once he moves from the BCCI to the ICC, he will think about the ICC’s benefit, and that’s what he should do.”
The PCB’s desire is for India to fulfill its commitments and play the tournament in Pakistan, given that the Indian team traveled to Pakistan for the 2008 Asia Cup and more recently, Pakistan toured India for the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup in 2023.
The ICC is set to hold a crucial virtual meeting on November 29, 2024, to finalize the fate of the 2025 Champions Trophy. While the tournament is scheduled for early 2025, from February 19 to March, no official schedule has been released, and the meeting will likely provide more clarity on whether the event will go ahead as planned in Pakistan or if an alternative arrangement will be made.
This situation remains fluid, with tensions running high, particularly between the PCB and the BCCI, as both cricketing boards navigate their national and international priorities. The decision taken by the ICC in the coming days will have significant ramifications for international cricket and the relationship between India and Pakistan within the sport.
