PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi denies Indian media reports over 2025 Champions Trophy participation

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PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi has responded to recent media reports suggesting that India might not participate in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, which is set to be hosted by Pakistan.

 Naqvi dismissed these claims, asserting that Pakistan remains committed to hosting the event as planned and is awaiting an official response from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Indian government.

He addressed the media in Lahore, acknowledging the growing uncertainty stirred by reports in Indian media that India may opt out of the tournament due to ongoing political tensions. Despite this, he emphasized that PCB is fully prepared to host the prestigious event.

“We have a clear stance that India must give it to us in writing if they [the Indian cricket board] have any issues. Till today, we have not spoken about any hybrid model, but we’re ready to speak on this,” Naqvi stated.

Naqvi further clarified that no official communication had been received from the BCCI or the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the situation.

“If Indian media is reporting this, then there must be some letter the ICC will give us, or the Indian Board might have written this somewhere. Till now, no such letter has reached me or the PCB,” he added.

The PCB Chief reiterated the importance of keeping cricket separate from politics, stressing, "We want cricket to be devoid of politics. No sport in the world should have these kinds of politics."

Recent reports from the Indian Express have revealed that the BCCI has communicated concerns over security and political sensitivities in Pakistan, proposing the relocation of India's matches to Dubai. According to a BCCI source, Dubai has been identified as a potential neutral venue for matches involving India. 

"Yes, the BCCI has conveyed their concerns regarding Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan. They want to play the matches at a neutral venue and Dubai is the strong candidate to host the fixtures involving the Men in Blue,” BCCI source said. 

"There are no issues in Dubai. Hotels are not a problem, logistics not a problem, everything can be handled smoothly," the source said, adding that the ICC is in control of logistics in the UAE city.

However, Naqvi clarified that the PCB has no intentions of adopting a hybrid model for the tournament, reaffirming the Board's commitment to hosting the entire Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

“I will consult with the government if BCCI confirms that the Indian team will not travel to Pakistan in written. Then, we will abide by whatever decision the Pakistan government makes,” Naqvi announced.

It is worth noting that the 2025 Champions Trophy will be held from February 19 to March 9, marking the first time Pakistan will host an ICC event since the 1996 ODI World Cup.

The preliminary schedule for the Champions Trophy has already been finalized with the participating teams. As per the schedule, Pakistan will be placed in Group A alongside India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Group B will consist of England, South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan.