The Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board Mohsin Naqvi has directed all PCB officials to refrain from commenting on India's participation in the Champions Trophy 2025. 

This decision marks a shift from past practices where PCB officials often made accusatory statements against India.

Previously, Pakistan was set to host the Asia Cup 2023, but due to India's refusal to tour, the event was conducted in a hybrid model with Sri Lanka as co-hosts.

Media reports suggest that Naqvi's directive follows a statement from BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla, who suggested that Pakistan might retaliate if India decides not to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025.

“That is why, in recent days, there is no comments or statement coming from either Naqvi or any other board official on what will happen if India doesn’t send its team to Pakistan. The PCB has sent the draft schedule and submitted all other documents, including security plans for each team, to the ICC. Now it is for the onus of the ICC to convince India to send its team,” a PCB source told PTI.

The PCB has chosen to remain silent and let the ICC handle the situation, having already cleared the draft schedule and budget at the recent ICC annual meeting in Sri Lanka.

“It is clear Naqvi doesn’t want to show the PCB’s cards on what will be the reaction of the board if India again refuses to send its team, but behind closed doors, after meetings with the government officials, a strategy has been finalized,” another source added.

Pakistan is set to host its first major tournament since the 2008 Asia Cup and is making significant efforts to ensure the event’s success. However, India’s hesitation to travel for the Champions Trophy 2025 presents a substantial challenge for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).