LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi clarified on Friday that no official communication has been received from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding India’s decision to not participate in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan in 2025.
This statement follows reports in Indian media suggesting that India had made a formal decision to decline playing their scheduled matches in Pakistan. According to the reports, the BCCI had allegedly communicated its refusal to the PCB, also requesting that India’s matches be moved to a neutral venue like Dubai.
Indian media outlets on Friday claimed that BCCI had already sent a letter to the PCB confirming the decision and asking for the relocation of the matches. Sources from the BCCI were quoted as saying, “This has been our stance for a long time, and we don’t want to change it. We have written to the PCB and requested that our matches be shifted to Dubai.”
However, in a press briefing in Lahore, Naqvi refuted the media reports, stating that the PCB had not received any formal communication from the BCCI or the International Cricket Council (ICC). He emphasized that no official letter has reached the PCB to confirm India’s stance.
“We have a clear policy that if they have any issues, they must communicate them in writing. So far, no such letter has been received, and we have not discussed the hybrid model either. We are open to dialogue, but we need a formal response,” Naqvi said.
Naqvi also addressed the media reports surrounding a potential “hybrid model,” where India’s matches could be relocated to neutral venues. He clarified that any decision regarding this model would require consultation with the government of Pakistan. “I would have to present this matter to the government and implement whatever decision they make,” he added.
The PCB Chairman also took the opportunity to reaffirm the board’s stance on ensuring that cricket remains free from political influence. “Cricket should remain above politics. No sport should be subject to such interference,” Naqvi stated.
Despite the uncertainty over India’s participation, Naqvi expressed confidence in Pakistan’s preparations for the Champions Trophy. “We are proceeding with the preparations for the tournament, and God willing, it will be a successful event,” he said.
Meanwhile, an International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation is scheduled to visit Lahore from November 10 to 12 to evaluate Pakistan’s preparations for the tournament. The visit will likely include discussions on key details of the event, with an official announcement expected on November 11 regarding the schedule.
The proposed tournament groups have already been shared with member nations. According to reports, Pakistan will be in Group A alongside India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. Group B will feature England, South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan.
The Champions Trophy will be held from February 19 to March 9, 2025, with matches set to take place in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. Lahore will host seven matches, including the final on March 9, while Karachi’s National Stadium will stage the opening match and a semi-final. The other semi-final will be held in Rawalpindi.
