Lahore. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi has said that he is not ready to adopt a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy 2025. Speaking to reporters at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, he said, “They have not had any official talk with the BCCI regarding this, nor has the BCCI expressed any official objection.”
Naqvi further said, “I have talked to my team about this and our stand is clear that if they have any objection then they should give it to us in writing. Till then there will be no talk about the hybrid model and we will They are not even ready to accept. Indian media may be reporting something like this, but till now there has been no formal talk with PCB regarding this.”
Naqvi also said that Pakistan had toured India for the ODI World Cup last year, so India should also visit Pakistan.
He said, “If we get any letter from India, we will go to our government and accept their decision. Earlier, Pakistan, showing big heart for India, had organized the Asia Cup on hybrid model and the Pakistan team in ODI. Had gone there for the World Cup. But this cannot happen every time. Next time we will also take permission from the government to go to any tournament in India, and not the PCB will take any decision.
Due to political tensions, there has been no bilateral series between the two countries since 201213, while the last Test between the two countries took place in 2007. Naqvi said that cricket should be free from politics.
Lahore, Rawalpindi and Karachi are the three grounds earmarked for the Champions Trophy, but India have been offered the option of playing all their matches in Lahore, which is close to the Indian border. This will also provide convenience to the Indian audience. The PCB has reported that it has arranged for around 17,000 visas for the Indian spectators.
Naqvi said, “Almost all the countries want the tournament to be held in Pakistan and the PCB is ready to provide them every facility. I am also in touch with some boards and all are excited to play here. I do not think there is any political issue in this.” We should provide all kinds of facilities to every team. We want fans from abroad to come for this tournament.
According to the information received by ESPN Cricinfo, even though BCCI has not formally shared this matter, but their stand is not going to change. They have been waiting for permission from the Indian government to go to Pakistan and will do the same now. However, it is not yet clear whether BCCI has yet sought approval for this tournament or not.
It is noteworthy that this tournament is going to be held in Pakistan between 19 February to 9 March, the schedule of which is yet to be formally announced by the ICC.
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Image Credit: KhasKhabar.