Mohsin Naqvi expressed confidence of the ICC event eventually going ahead in Pakistan.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) finds itself in a tough spot after India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025 and the host nation's reluctance to adopt a hybrid model.
Amid the deadlock, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Monday (November 18) said that “no one can give us a tough time”.
The Pakistan board has already written to the ICC, asking the apex cricketing body about the reasons behind India's unwillingness to travel across the border for the marquee event.
Naqvi, while addressing the media in Lahore, also stated that the ICC needs to think about its “credibility”. He expressed confidence of the tournament eventually going ahead in Pakistan.
“We will ensure that Champions Trophy is held in Pakistan. We have written a letter to the ICC, we are awaiting a response. We are just talking to the ICC. I believe sports and politics should not be mixed together. I am just hoping for a positive result,” Naqvi told reporters.
“I think no one can give us a tough time. Every ICC member has its right, things cannot function like this. I am just hoping for a positive result when it comes to Champions Trophy,” he added.
The PCB chief further said that the ICC needs to unveil the itinerary for the Champions Trophy as soon as possible. He also urged the BCCI to engage in a dialogue, if they have any concerns about visiting Pakistan for the tournament, which is set to be played in Lahore, Rawalpindi and Karachi in February-March next year.
“ICC needs to think about their credibility, the Champions Trophy tour has been rescheduled. Every other team in the world, that has qualified for the Champions Trophy, is ready to come and has no issue. If India have any concern, then I suggest them to talk to us. I don't think there is any reason for them to not come here,” said Naqvi.
“The ICC needs to announce the schedule, I am just hoping they announce the schedule soon. We are waiting for the schedule, the sooner it is announced, the sooner we can get the stadiums ready,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 trophy tour kicked off in Islamabad on Saturday (November 16). The trophy tour will take place in Pakistan till 25 November before it leaves for the remaining seven participating nations, including reaching India on 15 January.
The trophy tour in Pakistan will happen in Islamabad, Taxila and Khanpur, Abbottabad, Murree, Nathia Gali, and Karachi. PCB had to drop the plan of having trophy tour in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir cities like Skardu, Hunza, and Muzaffarabad after BCCI’s intervention.