Photo Credit: Twitter Profile Photo of @MohsinnaqviC42
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated on Friday that the PCB has not received any official communication about whether the Indian cricket team has decided against playing Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan next year, despite reports from the Indian media.
Pakistan, winners of the previous Champions Trophy held in England in 2017, is set to host the tournament from February 19 to March 9. Due to strained political relations, India has not toured Pakistan since 2008, with the two rivals only meeting in multi-nation tournaments.
Last year, Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup, but India played their matches in Sri Lanka under a “hybrid model,” as organizers described it. India had cited a lack of government permission to travel to Pakistan as the reason.
Speaking to the media at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Naqvi mentioned that Indian media have been reporting on the matter for the past two months.
“We have a clear stance that they must give it to us in writing if they [the Indian cricket board] have any issues. Till today, we have not spoken about any hybrid model, but we’re ready to speak on this,” Naqvi explained.
“Now, if Indian media is reporting this, then there must be some letter the ICC will give us, or the Indian Board might have written this somewhere. Till now, no such letter has reached me or the PCB,” he added.
Naqvi emphasized keeping cricket free from political interference. “We want cricket to be devoid of politics. No sport in the world should have these kinds of politics. We will continue the preparations for the Champions Trophy that you’re currently seeing, and God willing, it will be a successful event,” he said.
When asked about the possibility of a hybrid model for the tournament, Naqvi stated he would consult the government and follow their decision.
“For the past few years, Pakistan has continued to show good gestures, and we hope that we are not expected to show good gestures each time,” Naqvi noted.
He also expressed optimism that the International Cricket Council (ICC) would soon announce the tournament schedule. “From what I know, every country wants the Champions Trophy to take place here. I’m in contact with several boards, and various members have expressed their desire to come play in Pakistan. I hope that, God willing, everyone will be patient and coolheaded and play the tournament where it is happening,” he said.
Indian media reported on Friday that India wants to play their Champions Trophy matches at a neutral venue rather than in Pakistan.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) stated last month that they are confident a solution can be found if India does not travel to Pakistan. ECB chief executive Richard Gould emphasized India’s participation as crucial for the tournament’s broadcast rights.
“I know Pakistan are expecting India to travel,” Gould said while in Multan for England’s Test series.
“There are lots of different alternatives and contingencies available if that doesn’t happen. I wouldn’t have thought [it would be played without India], because if you play the Champions Trophy without India, the broadcast rights aren’t there, and we need to protect them. Hopefully, we can have the fullest possible competition in Pakistan.”
ECB chairman Richard Thompson expressed optimism that an agreement could be reached, noting the teams’ meeting at the T20 World Cup.
In July, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) stated that senior Indian players would participate in the Champions Trophy. “The way this team is progressing, our target is to win the World Test Championship final and Champions Trophy,” BCCI secretary Jay Shah told the Press Trust of India. “There will be a similar squad playing there. The seniors will be there.”
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
