Mohsin Naqvi, the chief of the Pakistan Cricket Board, firmly stated that he is not entertaining the idea of relocating next year's Champions Trophy from Pakistan. His statement comes amidst ongoing speculation that the tournament might be moved out of the country.
Despite the endless rumors about India playing in the Champions Trophy, the PCB president stated that the board is not even considering the notion of moving the trophy outside of his nation next year.
His words follow the recent statement made to PTI by an ICC board member, who stated that the ICC will not compel India to break any government directives that prohibit travel to Pakistan.
Naqvi continued by saying that the PCB was ready to manage any problem that might arise as the occasion got closer. During Monday night's Pakistan Super League (PSL 2024) final, Naqvi disclosed to reporters that he had a conversation with BCCI secretary Jay Shah last week while they were in Dubai for the ICC meetings.
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Additionally, he dismissed the notion that the Champions Trophy would be moved out of Pakistan as a result of India's reluctance to visit the nation.
"Yes, we spoke for a while and it was cordial but it would be unwise to divulge details of what was discussed. I am not even thinking on those lines we are confident we will host the Champions Trophy on schedule in Pakistan,” Naqvi told reporters.
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Naqvi added that the PCB was also prepared to deal with any situation as the event came closer. He further added that the three stadiums that would host the most Champions Trophy matches—Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi—would be renovated.
"Even as I speak plans have been drawn up and work will begin soon on these three stadiums to give the fans the best experience of watching the matches at the venues," he added.
India has not traveled to Pakistan since the Asia Cup 2008. India also suspended bilateral cricket relations with Pakistan after the November 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai, which were done by Pakistan-based terrorists.
(PTI inputs)
