The Pakistan Cricket Board has not received any official confirmation regarding the Indian cricket team’s reported refusal to participate in the Champions Trophy matches scheduled to be held in the country next year, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said on Friday.
“We have a clear stance that they must give it to us in writing if they [the Indian cricket board] have any issues,” he told reporters at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. “Till today, we have not spoken about any hybrid model, but we’re ready to speak on this.”
This statement comes after Indian media reported that the Indian cricket team would not travel to Pakistan for the event and is seeking to play their matches at a neutral venue.
Pakistan, who emerged victorious in the last Champions Trophy held in England in 2017, is set to host the tournament from February 19 to March 9, 2024.
Due to strained political relations, India has not visited Pakistan since 2008, and the two teams only compete against each other in multi-team tournaments.
Last year, Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup, but India, the eventual champions, played all of their matches in Sri Lanka under a “hybrid model” arrangement. At that time, India cited a lack of governmental permission to travel to Pakistan as the reason for not playing there.
Naqvi emphasised that the PCB requires formal written communication from the Board of Control for Cricket in India if there are any issues.
He added that if the Indian media is reporting on the topic, it implies that there should be some official correspondence from the International Cricket Council or the BCCI. “As of now, no such letter has been received by me or the PCB,” Naqvi added.
The PCB chairman also expressed a desire for cricket to remain free from political influences, stating, “No sport in the world should be affected by such politics.”
He reaffirmed the board’s commitment to preparing for the upcoming Champions Trophy, expressing confidence that it would be a successful event.
When questioned about the possibility of adopting a hybrid model for the tournament, Naqvi stated that he would need to consult with the government and implement whatever decision is reached.
He noted that Pakistan has consistently extended goodwill gestures in recent years and hopes that such expectations will not be required repeatedly.
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Naqvi also expressed optimism that the ICC would soon announce the schedule for the matches.
The PCB chairman stated that, to his knowledge, every country is eager for the Champions Trophy to be held in Pakistan. He mentioned that he is in contact with several cricket boards, and many members have expressed their willingness to participate in the tournament.
“I hope that everyone will remain patient and level-headed and play the tournament where it is scheduled,” Naqvi added.
