“Champions Trophy tour has not been cancelled but rescheduled,” says Mohsin Naqvi
According to Mohsin Naqvi, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Pakistan is prepared to allay India’s worries about crossing the border to compete in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
“If India has concerns, it should inform us, we will address its reservations,” Naqvi, who also serves as the interior minister, told reporters on Monday at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
India has reportedly rejected visiting Pakistan for the mega tournament with Islamabad, which has shown courtesy previously, standing firm on its stance of hosting the event as multiple other nations have already visited for matches.
After the PCB replied to an email alerting Pakistan about India’s decision to skip the Champions Trophy in the neighboring country, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is currently left with few options.
After receiving responses from the ICC, the PCB intends to confer with legal counsel and the government for direction in determining its future course of action, sources told Geo News.
The Champions Trophy will take place in Pakistan, PCB Chairman Naqvi reiterated, saying, “We are committed to hosting the tournament in Pakistan as planned.”
He explained that the PCB is waiting for the ICC’s reaction and is in direct contact with them.
The distinction between politics and sports was emphasized by Naqvi, who stated: “Sports and politics are entirely distinct matters.”
Noting the significance of finishing the required preparations on time, he also called for an early release of the tournament schedule.
Regarding recent events, Naqvi gave assurances that the Champions Trophy tour has been rescheduled rather than cancelled, and that Pakistan is still committed to making the event a success.
Two days ago, the Champions Trophy tour got underway in Islamabad after the ICC changed the Pakistan leg’s schedule in response to the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) protests.
The originally announced stations of Muzaffarabad, Hunza, and Skardu have been replaced with new stops at Taxila, Khanpur, Abbottabad, Nathia Gali, and Karachi in the updated itinerary.
Renovation of Gaddafi Stadium
Naqvi gave the reporters updates on a number of board developments and ongoing initiatives during his talk.
According to him, the construction at Gaddafi Stadium is moving quickly and will be finished in the allotted time.
“We are closely monitoring the upgrade work at Gaddafi Stadium to ensure everything stays on schedule,” he stated.
In reference to coaching positions, Naqvi explained: “Aqib Javed has been appointed as a temporary white-ball coach for three months.” The hiring process for a permanent coach will shortly start, he stated.
Speaking about other issues, the PCB chief emphasized that Wahab Riaz is still actively carrying out his duties and that no one has been relieved of their positions.
“We are not letting him leave; I am bringing cricketers together, not letting them depart,” he said in reference to Mohammad Yousuf.
“Very important to me” is another way he emphasized Abdul Razzaq’s importance.
