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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is still awaiting a response from the International Cricket Council (ICC) concerning India’s reluctance to travel to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy scheduled for February. A week ago, the PCB formally reached out to the ICC, seeking clarity on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s decision regarding their participation.
PCB’s Request for Clarity
The PCB has requested a written explanation from the BCCI about their stance and the date they communicated this to the ICC. Despite not receiving a response yet, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed his “positive expectations” about hosting the tournament, which will be Pakistan’s first ICC event since 1996.
“We have sent them [ICC] the questions we had,” Naqvi stated during a press interaction at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. “We are still waiting for their response. I believe that sports and politics are separate, and no country should mix the two. Even now, I still have positive expectations about the Champions Trophy.”
PCB’s Stance on Hybrid Model
Naqvi reiterated that the PCB intends to maintain its position against using a hybrid model for the tournament. He emphasized that they would not shift from this stance but expressed willingness to engage in discussions with the BCCI to resolve any issues.
“At this moment, every team that has qualified for the Champions Trophy is ready to come,” he said. “Nobody has any issues. I will say today also, if India has any concerns, speak to us about them; we can ease those concerns. I don’t think there is any reason for them not to visit.”
Concerns Over Hosting Rights
When asked if the PCB would consider boycotting the event if hosting rights were taken away, Naqvi stressed that “Pakistan’s pride is of primary importance.” He added, “My feeling is that the ICC will have to think about its credibility—are they an organization for all the world’s bodies?”
Naqvi also addressed concerns regarding the trophy tour for the Champions Trophy, which commenced on Saturday in Islamabad. The route was altered after objections raised by the BCCI with the ICC. Originally, the tour included Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, but this destination was removed following complaints from India.
“My feeling is that the ICC will have to think about its credibility,” Naqvi remarked. “And that route has been rescheduled; we haven’t been told about any cancellation.” He expressed hope that the ICC would announce the tournament schedule soon so that preparations could continue smoothly.
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