PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi insisted the board remains “clear” in its view that any decision on hosting the Champions Trophy must be taken “on the basis of equality”. With the ICC meeting virtually and potentially voting on the issue on November 29, Naqvi said he had been in contact with ICC president Greg Barclay and that “his team” at the PCB was in contact with the ICC.
“Our position is very clear,” Naqvi said during a news conference at Gaddafi Stadium at 1 a.m. Thursday. “I promise that we will do what is best for Pakistan cricket. I am constantly in touch with the ICC president and my team talks to them constantly. We are still clear about our stance that it is not acceptable for us to play cricket in Pakistan. India, and “There is no cricket played here. Whatever happens, it will happen on the basis of equality. We have said this very clearly to the ICC, and what happens next we will let them know.”
Naqvi confirmed that India had not provided Pakistan with any written objection and did not say whether, in its submissions, the ICC had answered questions the PCB had raised about India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the event.
But he did not directly respond to repeated questions about whether a hybrid model remained equally unacceptable to the PCB. “Whatever we do, we will ensure that the best outcome is achieved for Pakistan,” Naqvi said several times. “But I repeat, and I’m sure you know what I mean, it is not possible for Pakistan to play in India and not come here.”
Naqvi’s comments are a reference to Pakistan considering the terms of its participation in future events hosted by India. India is hosting the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 as well as co-hosting the T20I World Cup 2026 along with Sri Lanka.
Naqvi said that any decision taken at the ICC meeting would then be taken to the Pakistan government by the PCB for final approval. He also urged Jay Shah, who leaves his post as BCCI secretary to take over as ICC president on Sunday, to show concern for the ICC’s benefit in his handling of the organisation.
“[Jay Shah] He will take over in December, and I am sure that once he moves from BCCI to ICC, he will think about the benefits of ICC, and that is what he should do. “Whenever someone takes on that role, they only have to consider the interests of that organization.”
Naqvi also said that the PCB’s objectives before the meeting were not financial. “I promise you that we will not sell our rights just for more money. This will never happen. But we will do what is best for Pakistan.”
