PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed disappointment over India's decision to play their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 matches in the UAE rather than Pakistan – the designated hosts for the showpiece event.

Notably, the BCCI refused to send its team across the border due to security concerns and political tensions between the two countries, forcing the ICC to adopt a hybrid model, in which India will be playing all of their matches at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

However, Naqvi remains optimistic about Pakistan successfully hosting their first ICC tournament since 1996.

"We are focussed on delivering a world class event but it is undoubtedly disappointing that India is not playing in Pakistan," Naqvi was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

"It is disappointing- not just for the PCB, but also for cricket fans worldwide, the ICC, its commercial partners and the other participating countries that India is not playing in Pakistan," he said.

Naqvi emphasized Pakistan's commitment to keep sports away from politics, noting their team's multiple tours to India in 2011, 2012, 2016, and 2023.

Apart from the Champions Trophy, the ICC has adopted a hybrid model for global events in India till 2027, which means Pakistan will also be able to play their mega events matches at a neutral venue in future.

"We engaged constructively with the ICC and conveyed our willingness to facilitate every possible measure to ensure a smooth and secure visit. Despite these efforts, India has chosen not to travel," Naqvi said.

"I think it is also a missed opportunity for Indian players to experience the warmth, love and hospitality that Pakistan has always extended to visiting teams. Pakistani fans would shown their hospitality to the Indian team."

"Nonetheless, we remain focused on delivering a world-class event, ensuring that cricket takes center stage," he remarked.

The PCB chairman mentioned recent matches between Afghanistan, South Africa, England, and Australia to highlight Pakistani people's love for the game.

"We last hosted an ICC event in 1996. Since then, despite a decade-long absence of international cricket on our soil - through no fault of our own - we have continued to excel, winning the ICC T20 World Cup in 2009, the ICC Test Championship mace in 2016 and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017."

The Champions Trophy presents an important milestone for Pakistan after years of isolation from top-tier cricket.

"It is an opportunity to reaffirm Pakistan's status as one of the most passionate and influential cricketing nations, fully capable of staging multi-nation tournaments at the highest level. Beyond that, it is our chance to showcase world-class infrastructure, passionate crowds and a cricket culture that deserves more major ICC events in the next cycle."

The PCB has invested heavily in renovating stadiums to enhance the experience for players and spectators. "This investment will leave a lasting legacy for Pakistan cricket," Naqvi said.