Pakistan refusing to be realistic regarding ICC Champions Trophy 2025

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is awaiting a response from the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding India’s reluctance to travel to Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 scheduled for February next year. This issue has sparked concerns over the tournament’s logistics, as India’s participation remains uncertain due to security and political considerations. The PCB formally wrote to the ICC about a week ago, seeking clarification and an official stance on the matter. Furthermore, the PCB has requested a written explanation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to address the ambiguity surrounding their participation. Despite the silence from both the ICC and BCCI, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed optimism, stating that he remains hopeful about the tournament proceeding as planned.

PCB needs to be realistic with regards to hosting ICC Champions Trophy 2025

This edition of the ICC Champions Trophy holds significant importance for Pakistan, as it would mark the nation’s first major international cricket tournament on home soil since the 1996 Cricket World Cup. The PCB views the event as a pivotal opportunity to showcase its capability as a host for global cricket events. However, the uncertainty surrounding India’s travel plans casts a shadow over preparations, given the historic cricket rivalry and the importance of India’s participation in driving viewership and revenue.

With the tournament drawing closer, the PCB’s proactive approach in seeking resolution underscores its commitment to making the event a success. The coming weeks will be crucial as Pakistan and the global cricketing fraternity await clarity on India’s involvement in the Champions Trophy 2025.

"We have sent them [ICC] the questions we had," Naqvi said at a press interaction at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium. "We are still waiting for their response. I believe that sports and politics are separate and no country should mix the two. Even now I still have positive expectations about the Champions Trophy," said PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi in a recent interview. 

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi reaffirmed the Pakistan Cricket Board’s firm stance against adopting a hybrid model for hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He emphasized that the PCB is resolute in its decision and will not compromise on shifting the tournament from Pakistan to accommodate any alternative hosting arrangements. Naqvi, however, expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with the Board of Control for Cricket in India to address concerns and facilitate a resolution. Stressing the importance of open communication, he stated that breaking the deadlock regarding India’s travel to Pakistan remains a priority. Naqvi’s readiness to initiate discussions reflects the PCB’s efforts to ensure the tournament’s success while maintaining its position on hosting rights.

The hybrid model, which involves splitting matches across multiple countries, has been proposed in the past for other events to resolve geopolitical challenges. However, Naqvi reiterated that Pakistan is fully prepared to host the Champions Trophy and expects all participating teams, including India, to honor the ICC’s tournament structure. As the Champions Trophy marks Pakistan’s return as a host of a major international cricket event after nearly three decades, the PCB views the tournament as a critical milestone in restoring global cricketing confidence in the country. Naqvi’s remarks underline the PCB’s determination to deliver a world-class event while fostering collaboration to navigate the current challenges.

"At this moment, every team that has qualified for the Champions Trophy is ready to come. Nobody has any issues. I will say today also, if India has any concerns, speak to us about them, we can ease those concerns. I don't think there is any reason for them not to visit," Naqvi added. 

Last week, the Pakistan Cricket Board unveiled the proposed route for the ICC Champions Trophy tour, which included a stop in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir. However, concerns raised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India prompted the PCB to reconsider this leg of the tour. While Muzaffarabad has been temporarily removed from the itinerary, the stop has not been entirely canceled, leaving its inclusion open for future deliberations.

The trophy tour will first visit the other seven participating nations before returning to Pakistan, allowing time for further discussions regarding its final route. The PCB remains optimistic that the ICC will facilitate a resolution that balances diplomatic sensitivities with the spirit of international cricket. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi also expressed hopes for the ICC to release the Champions Trophy schedule soon. He emphasized the urgency of this announcement, as it would enable Pakistan to accelerate its preparations for hosting the event. With this being the first major international cricket tournament held in Pakistan since 1996, Naqvi highlighted the need for meticulous planning to ensure the success of the event.