The Champions Trophy 2025 is less than three months away and there is no clarity on the venue. Pakistan are officially the hosts but with India not getting the NOC to travel, there is a lot of uncertainty going around.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are adamant about hosting the Champions Trophy 2025. The chairman Mohsin Naqvi pointed out that they are trying to do what is best for Pakistan cricket. He revealed that the PCB team is constantly in touch with the ICC chairman Greg Barclay for the issue. The PCB’s stance has been clear as they feel India not travelling to Pakistan is inequality.
Pakistan flew to India for the 2023 World Cup and now, it’s time India return the favour for the Champions Trophy. However, the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) have consistently maintained that they have not been granted permission by the central government to travel to Pakistan.
“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. We’ve told the ICC very clearly, and what happens next we’ll let you know,” Mohsin Naqvi was quoted saying in a press conference on Thursday (November 28) at 1 AM.
PCB not willing to accept hybrid model
There have been reports that the ICC could propose a hybrid model. Dubai is likely to host a few matches if that route is taken. However, Naqvi clarified that there has been no discussion of a hybrid model. Moreover, the PCB are not willing to accept one either.
“Our stance is clear: they need to give us in writing any objections they may have. Until now, no discussion of the hybrid model has happened, nor are we prepared to accept one. Whatever we do, we will make sure the best outcome for Pakistan is achieved. But I repeat, and I am sure you know what I mean, it’s not possible that Pakistan play in India, and they don’t come here,” Naqvi had explained earlier this month.
The ICC is conducting a virtual meeting on the 29th of November. There could be a potential vote for how the Champions Trophy 2025 should be conducted. India are the hosts for the 2025 Women’s World Cup and 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup. If the ICC adopt a hybrid model, they could well have an issue with the other upcoming events in India as well.
