Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed on Friday that it has not been communicated to PCB whether the Indian cricket team has declined to play the Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan next year, despite reports from Indian media. Naqvi emphasized that no formal communication has been received from the Indian cricket board or the ICC on the matter.
Pakistan to Host Champions Trophy in February-March 2025
Pakistan, who won the last edition of the Champions Trophy staged in England in 2017, will host the tournament from February 19 to March 9, 2025. However, due to strained political relations, India has not visited Pakistan since 2008 and both nations only compete against each other at multi-team events.
India Played Asia Cup Matches in Sri Lanka Due to Political Tensions
Pakistan also hosted the Asia Cup last year, but India played all their matches in Sri Lanka under a “hybrid model” due to political tensions and the lack of permission from their government to tour Pakistan.
Naqvi Responds to Indian Media Reports on India’s Travel Plans
Naqvi acknowledged that there have been reports in the Indian media over the past two months about the Indian team’s travel plans. He stated that if the Indian board has any concerns, they should communicate them in writing. He added that PCB has not yet discussed any hybrid model for the Champions Trophy and would be open to dialogue on the matter.
PCB Continues Preparations for the Champions Trophy
Naqvi stressed that PCB would continue preparations for the Champions Trophy, regardless of the reports, and expressed hope for a successful event. He also emphasized that cricket should be free from politics and that sports should not be politicized.
Naqvi Hopes for ICC’s Announcement on Match Schedule
Naqvi expressed his hope that the International Cricket Council (ICC) would soon announce the Champions Trophy match schedule. He mentioned that he has been in contact with several cricket boards, and many have expressed their desire to play in Pakistan.
India Reportedly Prefers Neutral Venue for Champions Trophy Matches
Indian media reported on Friday that the Indian cricket team would not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy and would prefer to play their matches at a neutral venue.
ECB Confident of Contingencies If India Doesn’t Travel for Champions Trophy
Last month, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) officials expressed confidence that a solution could be found if India does not travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy. ECB chief executive Richard Gould stated that the tournament could not proceed without India due to the importance of protecting broadcast rights, but assured that alternatives and contingencies were available.
BCCI Confirms Senior Players Will Participate in the Champions Trophy
In July, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that senior players would be part of India’s squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy. BCCI secretary Shah stated that the team’s target was to win both the World Test Championship final and the Champions Trophy.
