PCB Awaits ICC Response on India’s Refusal to Travel for 2025 Champions Trophy

PCB Awaits ICC’s Decision Amid India’s Refusal to Visit Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is still awaiting a response from the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding India’s decision not to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi addressed the media at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, emphasizing his optimism about hosting the first ICC event in Pakistan since 1996.

The PCB has formally written to the ICC, seeking clarification on the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) stance. Specifically, they have requested the exact date when the BCCI communicated its decision to the ICC and a written explanation. Naqvi stated, “We have sent them [ICC] the questions we had. We are still waiting for their response. I believe that sports and politics are separate and no country should mix the two.”

Teams Ready, Except for India

Naqvi highlighted that all participating teams, barring India, are willing to play in Pakistan. He dismissed the possibility of hosting the tournament in a hybrid model. “Every team that has qualified for the Champions Trophy is ready to come. Nobody has any issues. If India has concerns, they should talk to us. We can address them,” he said, reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating the event.

PCB’s Stance on Pride and Trophy Tour Controversy

When asked about Pakistan boycotting the event if hosting rights were revoked, Naqvi underscored the importance of national pride, stating, “Pakistan’s pride is our top priority.”

The PCB recently altered the tournament’s trophy tour after objections from the BCCI regarding the inclusion of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in the route. The initial plan included Muzaffarabad and two other cities in PoK. Following the BCCI’s complaint, the ICC requested changes, and the trophy tour was rescheduled. However, Naqvi clarified, “We haven’t been told about any cancellation. The route has simply been rescheduled.”

ICC’s Credibility at Stake

Naqvi also called on the ICC to act impartially. “The ICC must think about its credibility as an organization representing all cricket-playing nations,” he said.

With uncertainty looming, Pakistan remains firm in its preparations for the 2025 Champions Trophy, determined to deliver a successful tournament.

Tags: PCB, ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Mohsin Naqvi, India-Pakistan cricket, ICC news, sports politics, cricket events