Any formula, including the hybrid model, for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy must be established on equal terms, Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said on Saturday.

“A one-sided approach is unacceptable. This will not happen that we will visit [India] and they do not [visit Pakistan],” he told reporters in Dubai.

His comments came at a time after the PCB and the Board of Control for Cricket officials met in Dubai for the ICC meeting.

Pakistan, the reigning champions after winning the last edition in England in 2017, is set to host the event from February 19 to March 9.

But India’s reluctance to visit the neighbouring country has marred the tournament.

The longstanding political tensions between the two nations have prevented India from visiting Pakistan since 2008, with matches occurring only at multi-team events. Notably, during last year’s Asia Cup, India played all their games in Sri Lanka under a “hybrid model.”

Earlier this month, the ICC informed the PCB that the Board of Control for Cricket in India had officially communicated that India would not participate in the eight-nation tournament.

Naqvi added that many discussions are ongoing and he preferred to refrain from excessive commentary.

He stressed that the decision should benefit cricket as a whole, aiming for a win-win situation for both cricket boards. “We will do what is best for cricket,” he added.

He reiterated that the most important aspect of Pakistan is its “dignity”. The PCB has urged the ICC to adopt a path that is acceptable to all parties involved. “Any formula agreed upon will not only apply to the Champions Trophy but will also have long-term implications.”

Keep cricket and politics separate: Naqvi

Pakistan is all set to host the Men’s Champions Trophy tournament, Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said on Saturday, as the world cricket body meets in the UAE for the event’s schedule.

“All countries will be given state guest protocol and security,” he was quoted as saying in a PCB post on X.

According to the PCB, Naqvi met with former UAE cricket board secretary Mubashshir Usmani in Dubai and discussed “important issues” regarding the organisation of the Champions Trophy tournament.

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“We have to keep cricket and politics separate,” the PCB chairman said.

“Pakistan is a peaceful country and Pakistani people love the game of cricket. Cricket fans are eager for the big competition of [the] Champions Trophy,” he stated and added that stadiums were upgraded and security arrangements were finalised.

Naqvi said it was an honour to host the Champions Trophy tournament and that Pakistan would “welcome every team with an open heart”.