Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi addresses a press convention on the Champions Cup at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, August 26, 2024. — X/@TheRealPCBWill not permit one-sided selections, vows Mohsin Naqvi. “Decisions cannot be limited to Champions Trophy.”Pakistan absolutely ready to host event: PCB chief.
As uncertainty looms over Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed optimism {that a} “long-term” system, which might be helpful for each nation and cricket, can be chalked out that can apply to all future occasions of Worldwide Cricket Council (ICC).
“We will not allow one-sided decisions […] decisions should be made based on equality,” Naqvi, who can be the inside minister mentioned whereas talking to journalists in Dubai on Saturday.
The event, scheduled to happen in Pakistan, has turn into a bone of competition between Pakistan and India, with the BCCI refusing to ship its staff to Pakistan, citing safety issues regardless of assurances.
A web based assembly convened by the Worldwide Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday geared toward resolving the difficulty lasted simply quarter-hour with out concrete outcomes.
The PCB has categorically rejected the hybrid mannequin proposed through the digital assembly, beneath which all of India’s matches can be performed outdoors Pakistan.
Speaking to the media right this moment, Naqvi mentioned that it isn’t truthful that Pakistan go to India for ICC occasions, however the neighbouring nation doesn’t, stressing the necessity for “long-term talks”.
He additional mentioned that the choices can’t be restricted to the Champions Trophy solely, including {that a} system for future tournaments should be chalked out.
In one other improvement, the PCB chief met Mubashir Usmani, the chairman of the ICC affiliate member committee and former secretary of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) in Dubai right this moment.
Taking to X (previously Twitter), the PCB mentioned that Naqvi in his assembly with Usmani mentioned “important issues regarding the organisation of the Champions Trophy tournament”.
“Pakistan is fully prepared to host the tournament in our country. We are a peaceful nation, and our people have a deep love for cricket.” Naqvi instructed Mubashir.
The PCB chairman and his staff additionally assured that every one the incoming groups will get presidential-level safety through the occasion.
He expressed pleasure for the event, saying, “Cricket fans in Pakistan are eagerly awaiting the matches. Every participating team will be provided with state-guest-level protocol and security.”
Reflecting on the issues raised by the BCCI, Naqvi careworn the significance of preserving cricket separate from politics. “This tournament is a significant honour for our country. We warmly welcome every team with open hearts and will ensure a world-class experience for all,” he added.
Moreover discussing the Champions Trophy, the assembly additionally targeted on selling cricket in each Pakistan and the UAE.
‘Not acceptable’
The PCB chief had already communicated Pakistan’s place throughout discussions with ICC Chief Govt Geoff Allardice in Dubai on Thursday, reiterating that the board wouldn’t entertain this proposal.
“This is not acceptable. Every time Pakistan is required to play in India, we comply. Yet, when it is India’s turn to play in Pakistan, excuses are made. Both nations must be treated equally under the same rules,” Naqvi asserted. He added whereas different workable options might be thought-about, the hybrid mannequin was completely off the desk.
The ICC Board deferred the difficulty, leaving it to the PCB, ICC, and the Board of Management for Cricket in India (BCCI) to discover a decision. Sources revealed that Pakistan’s unwavering stance has put the ICC in a tough place, with choices now together with a possible postponement of the event, rescheduling or introducing a backup host nation like Sri Lanka.
Including to the continuing mess, India’s Ministry of Exterior Affairs (MEA) acknowledged that it’s “unlikely” the Indian staff would journey to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy on account of “security concerns.”
A spokesman for the Exterior Affairs Ministry put the onus on the BCCI saying that it fears Indian staff safety. “It is the BCCI that has to make the final call on the team’s visit to Pakistan,” an Indian Ministry spokesman mentioned.
BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla constantly emphasised that the Board will strictly adhere to the directives issued by the Indian authorities. Mohsin Naqvi dismissed the issues, clarifying Pakistan’s confirmed observe report in internet hosting worldwide groups over the previous six years.
