PCB says "No" to Champions Trophy Hybrid model

The tug of war between PCB and BCCI continues to rage on as the Champions Trophy 2025 schedule nears its official announcement. BCCI openly expressed its displeasure about visiting Pakistan citing "security" concerns and rather suggested the ICC to have all their matches shifted to a neutral venue, Dubai. 

However, the PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi strongly voiced his objection to BCCI's inclination towards having a proposed "hybrid" model. He reiterated firmly that the entire tournament will be hosted in Pakistan and the Indian team, like other participating teams, are obliged to visit the country. In a recent media discussion at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Naqvi revealed that the PCB is yet to receive any official confirmation from the BCCI regarding India's objection to playing in Pakistan. 

What is Mohsin Naqvi's stance on this issue?

Amidst growing reports on the India team's unwillingness to participate in the upcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan, Naqvi has said that he is actively in touch with his Indian counterpart and assures that he is working around the clock with his team to make progress on this issue. He further clarified his stance and explained that if any objections need to be conveyed by the BCCI then it has to be in the form of writing. As of now, the PCB has not received any official complaint or an objection in the written format.

"In the last two months, the Indian media has been reporting that India isn't traveling. I discussed this with them and my team, and our stance is clear: they need to give us in writing any objections they may have. Until now, no discussion of the hybrid model has happened, nor are we prepared to accept one. The Indian media are reporting it, but no formal communication has reached the PCB."

Additionally, Naqvi also debunks any possibility of adopting a hybrid model and states that there has been no discussion between the PCB and the BCCI of having a hybrid model and neither are they in a position to adopt one. 

Distraught cricketing ties between India and Pakistan

Both India and Pakistan have been bitter rivals off the field but due to the ongoing political standoff. Despite the bitter geopolitical ties, cricket between the two Asian cricketing giants blossomed and the rivalry between the two nations was something to behold. Since the infamous terror attacks in Mumbai, India has never toured Pakistan for a bilateral series since 2008. Pakistan too, have severed their cricketing ties with India and last came on a bilateral series tour in 2012-13. However, the two nations continue to face each other in major ICC events. 

Naqvi elaborates that Pakistan has been very cooperative in this matter and despite BCCI's refusal to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, PCB still made a decision to send their cricket team to play the ODI World Cup 2023. That tournament eventually adopted a hybrid model, with the latter stages played in Sri Lanka. He expects BCCI to adopt a positive approach. Furthermore, he has been a long believer in the fact that sports should not get embroiled in politics. Whether or not two countries get along has nothing to do with sports.

"Cricket should be free of politics. If you don't get along with another country, that's another matter, but politics should not be involved in sport."  

At this stage, it is hard to ascertain the fate of the Champions Trophy. PCB remains adamant about its position to host all Champions Trophy matches inside Pakistan but it is also clear that BCCI will not make any decisive move on this matter without the clearance from their government. 

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