Lahore (Web Desk): Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, confirmed on Friday that the board has not yet received any official communication from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding India’s decision to not participate in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
Naqvi’s statement came in response to Indian media reports, which claimed that the BCCI had officially informed the PCB that India would not be traveling to Pakistan for the tournament, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, 2025.
According to reports from India, the BCCI has requested that India’s matches in the tournament be relocated to Dubai, citing safety and logistical concerns.
An unnamed BCCI source was quoted in the Indian media as saying, "This has been our position for some time, and we do not wish to alter it. We have formally written to the PCB requesting that our matches be moved to Dubai."
Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Mohsin Naqvi stated that no such official communication had been received by the PCB, either from the BCCI or the International Cricket Council (ICC).
"We are clear in our stance: if there are any issues, they must be conveyed to us in writing. As of now, we have not received any official correspondence on this matter," Naqvi said.
He also pointed out that the PCB had not engaged in any discussions regarding a "hybrid model" — a plan that could involve holding some of India’s matches at neutral venues, such as Dubai.
Mohsin Naqvi emphasized that the PCB would not react to media reports and would wait for formal confirmation.
"If the Indian media is reporting this, then there must be some official letter from the ICC or the BCCI. Until we receive such a letter, we will not make any decisions based on speculation," he explained.
The PCB chief also reiterated the board’s commitment to keeping cricket free from political interference, saying, "We want to ensure that cricket remains separate from politics. No sport in the world should be affected by political issues."
Asked about the potential for a "hybrid model," Naqvi clarified that any decision would depend on consultations with the Pakistani government. "If the government decides on this approach, we will follow their instructions," he added.
Despite the uncertainty over India’s participation, Naqvi expressed confidence that the PCB would continue with its preparations for the Champions Trophy.
"We are moving forward with our preparations for the tournament, and, God willing, it will be a successful event," he said.
ICC delegation to visit Pakistan next week
The diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan have long affected bilateral cricket ties, with the two countries only meeting in multi-nation tournaments in recent years.
India has not toured Pakistan since 2008, and the ongoing situation regarding the Champions Trophy has fueled further speculation about the tournament's future.
An International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation is scheduled to visit Pakistan from November 10 to 12 to review the country’s preparations for the event.
On November 11, an official announcement is expected, which will likely include the tournament’s finalized schedule and other key details. Sources indicate that the schedule has already been shared with the participating teams.
As per the proposed groups, Pakistan will be in Group A alongside India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Group B will feature England, South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan.
The tournament is set to run from February 19 to March 9, 2025, with matches taking place in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.
Lahore will host seven matches, including the final on March 9, while Karachi’s National Stadium will host the opening match and one semi-final, with the other semi-final scheduled for Rawalpindi.
