PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has already promised to host the Champions Trophy fully in Pakistan. For this reason, he has completely rejected the hybrid model after reports emerged stating India’s unwillingness to visit the cricket-loving nation. Speaking at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, where work is going on to get it redeveloped for the tournament, PCB chairman Naqvi declared,
“We are not ready to accept a hybrid model. Pakistan is fully prepared to host the entire event.”.
Naqvi underlined,
“No objection has been voiced from the BCCI regarding India’s participation in Pakistan.
Recently Indian media claimed that India was reluctant to travel. Naqvi made it clear that so far, no such discussion has occurred.
Naqvi determined to host the Champions Trophy fully in Pakistan, wants India to visit and payback
Pakistan had already proved mature enough when it travelled to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup. Notably, India refused to play Asia Cup 2023 in Pakistan despite PCB being the host. That Asia Cup event was a hybrid with half of its matches played in Sri Lanka. Naqvi cautions,
“We have made a lot of gestures, but this cannot become routine. If they do not come here, then what decision my government takes will now depend on our government.”.
The PCB has expressed its intention to conduct the Champions Trophy across three cities, Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. To accommodate India, Naqvi proposed that all of their games could be staged in Lahore near the border with India. He was willing to provide up to 17,000 visas for Indian fans while making the point that Pakistan wanted to encourage international visitors.
Naqvi said cricket should remain independent of politics.
“Sport should bridge gaps, not deepen them. We’ll provide top-notch facilities to all teams and hope fans from all nations attend,” he said.
The international boards have offered broad support, he added, and is confident that the tournament will prove Pakistan is ready for international events.
On the other hand, BCCI says it will come if the Indian government lets them. The ICC still hasn’t confirmed the schedule for a tournament scheduled from February 19 to March 9, 2025. Naqvi’s statement reflects PCB’s resolve to host a quality event while India’s presence remains in limbo.
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