Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi speaks at a meeting in this undated. — PCB/file
DUBAI: Amid ongoing talks with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over the Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has said that they will chalk out a formula which will be beneficial for both the country and the region. cricket.
“A forumla will be created which will be applicable to all future events of the ICC (International Cricket Council),” Naqvi, who is also the Home Minister, said while talking to journalists in Dubai on Saturday.
The tournament, which was supposed to take place in Pakistan, has become a bone of contention between Pakistan and India, with the BCCI refusing to send its team to Pakistan despite assurances due to security concerns.
An online meeting convened by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday to resolve the issue lasted just 15 minutes with no concrete results.
The PCB has categorically rejected the hybrid model proposed during the virtual meeting, under which all India’s matches would be played outside Pakistan.
Sources told Geo News that the Indian cricket board has reportedly sought more time following Pakistan’s firm stand.
Speaking to the media today, Naqvi said it is not fair that Pakistan visits India for ICC events but not the neighboring country and stressed the need for “long-term talks”.
He further said that the decisions cannot be limited to just the Champions Trophy, adding that a formula for future tournaments needs to be worked out.
In another development, the PCB chief today met Mubashir Usmani, the chairman of the ICC Associate Member Committee and former secretary of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) in Dubai.
Speaking to
“Pakistan is fully prepared to host the tournament in our country. We are a peaceful nation and our people have a deep love for cricket.” Naqvi told Mubashir.
The PCB chairman and his team also assured that all incoming teams will be provided with presidential-level security during the event.
Expressing his excitement about the tournament, he said, “Cricket fans in Pakistan are eagerly awaiting the matches. Each participating team will be provided with state host level protocol and security.”
Reflecting on the BCCI’s concerns, Naqvi emphasized the importance of keeping cricket separate from politics. “This tournament is a great honor for our country. We welcome every team with an open heart and ensure a world-class experience for all,” he added.
Besides discussing the Champions Trophy, the meeting also focused on promoting cricket in both Pakistan and the UAE.
‘Not acceptable’
The PCB chief had already announced Pakistan’s position during talks with ICC chief Geoff Allardice in Dubai on Thursday, reiterating that the board would not accept this proposal.
“This is not acceptable. Every time Pakistan has to play in India, we comply. But when it is India’s turn to play Pakistan, excuses are made. Both nations should be treated equally under the same rules,” Naqvi said. He added that while other workable solutions could be considered, the hybrid model was completely off the table.
The ICC board deferred the issue and left it to the PCB, the ICC and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to find a solution. Sources revealed that Pakistan’s unwavering stance has put the ICC in a difficult position, with options now including a possible postponement of the tournament, rescheduling or introducing a backup host nation such as Sri Lanka.
Adding to the ongoing mess, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that it is “unlikely” that the Indian team would travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy due to “security concerns”.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs blamed the BCCI and said it fears for the safety of the Indian team. “It is the BCCI that has to make the final decision regarding the team’s visit to Pakistan,” an Indian ministry spokesperson said.
BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla has consistently emphasized that the board will strictly adhere to the guidelines of the Indian government. Mohsin Naqvi dismissed the concerns and clarified Pakistan’s proven track record of hosting international teams in the last six years.