PCB Chairman Denies Receiving Official Communication from BCCI Over India’s Travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy
Lahore: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has strongly denied any formal communication from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding India’s decision not to travel to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
This denial comes after reports surfaced on Thursday, claiming that India had opted for a ‘Hybrid Model’ for the tournament, where all of India’s matches would be played in Dubai, while Pakistan would host other games. This model was previously employed during the 2023 Asia Cup, where Pakistan hosted its matches at home, while India played its games in Sri Lanka due to political tensions between the two countries.
Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Naqvi emphasized that the PCB had not received any official proposal or communication from BCCI on the matter. “Till today, no one has discussed any ‘Hybrid Model’ with us, nor are we willing to talk about it. We have been showing good gestures for the last few years and no one should expect us to do it all the time,” Naqvi said.
He further added that if such a proposal was presented to the PCB in writing, he would take it up with the government for further decisions. “I will take anything in writing to the government, and whatever decision they take, we have to follow them,” Naqvi confirmed.
In response to inquiries from PTI regarding reports that BCCI had officially communicated to PCB about India not travelling to Pakistan, Naqvi refuted the claims. “As far as we are concerned, the tournament is being held in Pakistan on schedule, and all teams will play here. All the other boards are looking forward to playing in Pakistan,” he stated.
The BCCI, according to senior sources, clarified that the decision regarding India’s participation in the Champions Trophy was not within the purview of the cricket board, but rather a matter for the Indian government. “It is never BCCI’s call whether to travel to Pakistan; it is the Indian government’s decision. Nothing changes on that front. We are not travelling to Pakistan as things stand,” a senior BCCI official was quoted as saying.
Naqvi, who is also the interior minister of Pakistan, mentioned that talks with other boards are ongoing, and nothing has changed in terms of the PCB’s preparations. “We are preparing to host all teams and matches,” Naqvi concluded.
This issue also raises historical sensitivities, as India’s national team has not toured Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup, following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, which resulted in strained diplomatic relations between the two countries. Since then, India has not visited Pakistan for any bilateral series or tournaments.
The PCB had earlier proposed a solution, suggesting that India could base itself in either Delhi or Chandigarh and fly into Lahore on match days, but this offer was rejected by the BCCI.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has maintained a neutral stance on this matter, asserting that it does not interfere in government policies of individual countries. The situation remains fluid, with the PCB hopeful that all teams, including India, will participate in the Champions Trophy to be held in Pakistan.
As of now, both the PCB and the BCCI await any official communication from the respective governments regarding India’s participation in the tournament.
