• Source:PTI
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Champions Trophy 2025: The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohsin Naqvi, has stated that it is untenable for Pakistan to participate in tournaments held in India if India continues its refusal to send its cricket team to Pakistan. Naqvi described the situation as "unequal" and expressed frustration over the lack of reciprocity in bilateral cricket relations.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) of its inability to send the Indian team to Pakistan, citing concerns. In response, the ICC has scheduled a virtual meeting of its executive board members on Friday to deliberate and make a final decision on the tournament’s venue.

“It is just not possible that while Pakistan keeps on going and playing in India all events the Indian authorities are not willing to send their team to play in Pakistan. We can't have such an unequal situation,” Naqvi told reporters last night at the Gaddafi stadium during a visit to inspect the construction work.

PCB To Accept 'Hybrid Model'?

Naqvi, however, played it safe regarding the ‘Hybrid' model for the Champions Trophy, as earlier he had asserted that PCB would not accept the proposed format.

“All I can assure is whatever happens in the meeting we will come out with good news and decisions which will be accepted by our people,” he said.

Naqvi hoped that Jay Shah, who will take over as the ICC Chairman December 5, would take decisions based in the interest of world cricket and all member boards.

“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.

“Whenever anyone assumes such a role, he should only consider the interests of that organisation,” he said.

There were reports of Pakistan being offered additional financial incentives to accept the Hybrid Model, but Naqvi remained non-committal.

Naqvi said all such decisions and the outcome of the ICC meeting will be conveyed to the Pakistan government, which will take a final call.

Inputs from PTI