In the light of past assertions that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has sanctioned the hybrid model for the 2025 Champions Trophy, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has however maintained that the BCCI has not communicated any official stance concerning the absence of an Indian team in Pakistan for the championship.
PTI reported earlier that according to sources within the PCB, India has decided on a ‘Hybrid Model’ which entails that all their matches will be played in Dubai. A similar model was witnessed in the 2023 Asia Cup where all the matches for Pakistan were played on home soil while that of India was in Sri Lanka and the match between India and Pakistan also occurred in Sri Lanka.
BCCI sources claimed that India has already communicated to the PCB their unwillingness to visit Pakistan for the competition. However, Naqvi who was present at the press meet held at Gaddafi Stadium rubbished such claims.
“Up to this day, we have not had any discussions on any part concerning the so-called ‘Hybrid Model’ nor are we interested in having such discussions. We have also been looking after goodwill for the last couple of years and no one should assume that we will do it permanently, ”Naqvi instructed the media people.
He also said that if there was a written proposal submitted to the PCB in the respect of the government, he would act accordingly as the government specifies.
“I will take anything writing to the government and whatever decision they take we have to follow them,” said Naqvi.
“One thing we can say is that the tournament is still taking place as per the scheduled dates in Pakistan with all its teams coming here. All other boards are also keen on coming to Pakistan,” he added.
The interior minister of the federation Naqvi also stated that contact is made with other boards all the time; the situation is the same
“Anything in writing regarding India not coming to Pakistan or coming to Pakistan will first be shared with government and media,” he stated.
The PCB suggested to BCCI that it would be possible for India to establish a camp in either Delhi or Chandigarh and simply fly to Lahore on the day of the match and back that very evening, but the proposal was turned down.
The last time the Indian team came to Pakistan was in 2008 for the Asia Cup but after the Mumbai attacks of 2008, the Indian cricket team has not been able to tour their neighbours
The ICC has declared it’s policy time and again that they do not meddle in the policies of any country. From December 1, Jay Shah, who is the secretary of BCCI will take charge as the president of the global body.