PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has criticized India’s refusal to play in Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, has expressed disappointment over India’s refusal to play matches in Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. With the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan clash now taking place in Dubai, Naqvi called it a “missed opportunity” for Indian cricketers to experience playing in Pakistan.

While Pakistan is the official host nation for the tournament, India’s matches are being played at neutral venues due to the BCCI’s (Board of Control for Cricket in India) decision not to travel to Pakistan.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s Statement on India’s Decision

Before traveling with the team to Dubai, Mohsin Naqvi addressed the media, expressing his disappointment:

“It is disappointing—not just for PCB, but also for cricket fans, the ICC, and other participating teams—that India has refused to play in Pakistan. Our team has traveled to India multiple times for ICC tournaments, including in 2011, 2012, 2016, and 2023. We had hoped India would reciprocate this time, but that hasn’t happened.”

Naqvi also pointed out that no current Indian player has ever played in Pakistan, as India last visited Pakistan for a bilateral series almost two decades ago.

The Hybrid Model: India Playing in Dubai Instead of Pakistan

Due to India’s reluctance to play in Pakistan, the ICC adopted a hybrid model, ensuring India plays its group-stage and knockout matches in the UAE while other teams compete in Pakistan.

Key Highlights of the Hybrid Model:

• India’s matches are being hosted in Dubai, while Pakistan hosts the rest of the tournament.
• This decision was made to ensure the tournament proceeds smoothly.
• Despite this, PCB remains frustrated over losing the opportunity to host India on home soil.

PCB’s Perspective: ‘It’s a Missed Opportunity’

Apart from the cricketing aspect, Naqvi also highlighted the warmth and hospitality Pakistan would have extended to the Indian team and fans.

“I believe Indian players have missed a great opportunity to experience Pakistan’s love and hospitality. Our fans would have welcomed them with open arms.”

Despite this setback, Naqvi reassured that Pakistan remains committed to hosting a world-class event and ensuring smooth operations for visiting teams.

India vs Pakistan Match Update – India Chasing 242

While off-field discussions continue, on the field, the India vs Pakistan clash is unfolding in Dubai. India has been set a target of 242 runs after a disciplined bowling performance.

Key Performers in the First Innings:

• Kuldeep Yadav – 3 wickets, restricting Pakistan’s scoring rate.
• Hardik Pandya – Crucial breakthroughs, including Babar Azam’s wicket.
• Saud Shakeel – Pakistan’s top scorer with 62 runs.

With the Indian chase underway, all eyes are now on Virat Kohli and the middle order to take the team home.

What’s Next for Indo-Pak Cricket Relations?

This hybrid tournament model sets a precedent for future cricketing engagements between India and Pakistan. With political tensions impacting bilateral series, ICC events remain the only opportunity for the two teams to face each other.

Will Pakistan travel to India for the 2026 T20 World Cup? Will India ever return to play in Pakistan? Only time will tell!

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