ECB Chairman extends best wishes to PCB Chief for hosting ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Richard Thompson, the Chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), on Saturday has extended his heartfelt ‘best wishes’ to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for hosting the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

Thompson’s message came during a meeting with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Salman Naseer, held amid the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the eight-team tournament, which is scheduled to take place in the February-March window of 2025.

Despite the lingering questions about the event’s logistics and participation, Thompson took the opportunity to commend the Pakistan Cricket Board’s preparations.

“England's recent tour of Pakistan was very impressive. Our best wishes are with Pakistan for the Champions Trophy,” Thompson was quoted as saying by the PCB.

In response, Naqvi assured Thompson that Pakistan was well on its way to ensuring a successful hosting of the prestigious tournament. He emphasized the ongoing renovations and upgrades to major cricket stadiums across the country.

“Pakistan is ready to host the Champions Trophy. The stadiums are being upgraded,” Naqvi assured Thompson.

The PCB chairman also reassured Thompson that visiting teams would be treated with the highest level of hospitality.

“Foolproof arrangements are being made at every level for the Champions Trophy. Visiting teams will be given state guest protocol,” he added.

The meeting took place a day after reports surfaced suggesting that the International Cricket Council (ICC) had requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to provide a written justification for its decision not to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 event. This development follows PCB’s earlier request for a formal stance from India regarding their participation.

According to ICC regulations, the Indian board is required to submit solid reasons for not visiting Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. Sources close to the ICC revealed that the governing body would evaluate these reasons before making a final decision on the matter.