The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is waiting for the response of the International Cricket Council (ICC) on the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision to not travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy. PCB chairman is still hopeful to host the entire tournament successfully. 

Pakistan is getting ready to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which has been scheduled for February. It will be the first ICC tournament in Pakistan after the ICC Cricket World Cup 1996. Apart from the hosts and defending champions Pakistan, India, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, England, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan will participate in this tournament.

Recently, the BCCI officially informed the ICC that they will not travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 

We are still waiting for their response: PCB chairman

A week ago, the PCB wrote to the ICC to get clarity on BCCI’s negative decision to play in Pakistan at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The PCB has also written to the BCCI to clarify in writing its stance on informing the governing body of the date mentioned. The PCB is still waiting for the responses.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said, "We have sent them [ICC] the questions we had. We are still waiting for their response. I believe that sports and politics are separate and no country should mix the two. Even now I still have positive expectations about the Champions Trophy."

Nobody has any issues: Mohsin Naqvi

Talking about the BCCI’s negative response, Naqvi clarified that all other teams were ready to play in Pakistan at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The PCB chairman also added that the BCCI could talk with them about the concerns.  

Naqvi added, "At this moment, every team that has qualified for the Champions Trophy is ready to come. Nobody has any issues. I will say today also, if India has any concerns, speak to us about them, we can ease those concerns. I don't think there is any reason for them not to visit."

Pakistan's pride is of primary importance: PCB chairman

The PCB chairman was asked about his views on any possible boycott of the tournament if its hosting rights were taken away. In response, Naqvi claimed, "Pakistan's pride is of primary importance." 

After visiting seven other participating countries, the ICC Champions Trophy tour will enter Pakistan in January. While the PCB announced an original route of the trophy tour in Pakistan, the BCCI had an objection to its travel in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan Administered Kashmir. While the PCB has altered the destination, the board hasn’t cancelled it yet. 

On this matter, Naqvi said, "My feeling is that the ICC will have to think about its credibility, that are they an organisation for all the world's bodies. And that route has been rescheduled, we haven't been told about any cancellation."

After a few hours of Jason Gillespie’s possible removal news as the head coach of the Pakistan men’s national cricket team, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has clarified its stance. 

Former Australian pacer Jason Gillespie joined the Pakistan team as the head coach in Test cricket. Meanwhile, former South African cricketer Gary Kirsten was the head coach of the Pakistan ODI and T20I teams.

Recently, Kirsten resigned from the head coach role of the Pakistan white-ball teams, and Gillespie took those roles on an interim basis.

Jason Gillespie was the head coach of Pakistan white ball teams for Australia tour

Pakistan recently won the home Test series against England (by 2-1), despite losing the first match of the three-match Test series. Also, they won the three-match away ODI series against the hosts Australia by 2-1, where the Asian team suffered a close defeat in the opener. 

However, Pakistan have already lost the three-match T20I series against the hosts Australia with one match yet to be played.

PCB was reportedly searching for an all-format coach

According to ESPNcricinfo’s Sunday report, Gillespie would be removed from all the head coach roles of the Pakistan team. The report claimed that the official announcement would be released on Monday.

The report claimed that Gillespie was asked to continue his head coach roles for the Pakistan Test, ODI, and T20I sides with the present contract till the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. However, the former Australian cricketer reportedly denied that offer. 

While the PCB wants an all-format coach, Gillespie will reportedly be removed after the end of the ongoing Australia tour. However, the PCB earlier stated that after completing the Australia tour, Gillespie would rejoin the Pakistan Test team in Johannesburg.

After completing the ongoing Australia tour on Monday, Pakistan will tour Zimbabwe for a three-match ODI and a three-match T20I series. Then, Pakistan will play another three-match T20I and a three-match ODI series against the hosts South Africa before a two-match Test series in the same tour.

PCB clarified their vision

After the viral news of ESPNcricinfo, the PCB strongly refused that story. The board reclaimed that Gillespie would rejoin the Pakistan Test team, which was earlier stated officially. 

PCB strongly refutes the story. As announced previously, Jason Gillespie will continue to coach the Pakistan side for the two red-ball matches against South Africa. https://t.co/J5MYKuq368

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 17, 2024

As the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed its decision to not travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and International Cricket Council (ICC) are busy to find solutions quickly. 

Pakistan is getting ready to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. It is the first time since the 1996 ODI World Cup that Pakistan will host an ICC tournament. 

India last toured Pakistan in 2008. Even in the last Asia Cup (2023), which was played in the ODI format, Pakistan was the host nation, but the BCCI’s decision to not travel to Pakistan forced the PCB to host the tournament in a hybrid model. Sri Lanka majorly hosted the Indian matches and the final. 

So, the BCCI’s negative decision to tour Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was highly expected. 

SEE ALSO: Rohit Sharma to miss first Test against Australia in Perth

What did the BCCI tell the ICC?

According to media reports, the BCCI has clarified that the hybrid model for the ICC Champions Trophy is acceptable to them only if Dubai hosts the tournament final.  

A source told PTI, “Unless the PCB decides to pull out of hosting the Champions Trophy the current plan is to hold India’s matches in UAE and the final in Dubai. The Indian Cricket Board has told the ICC that a Hybrid Model is acceptable to them only if the final is held in Dubai and not in Pakistan. The ICC has told the PCB that if it decides to go ahead with the hosting of the mega event on a Hybrid Model it would get its full hosting fees and majority of the matches.”

Present status on hosting the ICC Champions Trophy on a hybrid model

Meanwhile, the PCB wants clarifications from the ICC on BCCI’s decision to not travel to Pakistan. According to media reports, the PCB is still not thinking of hosting the tournament on a hybrid model and is hopeful to host the complete tournament in Pakistan. 

A PCB source told PTI, "There is no talk about having the Champions Trophy on a Hybrid Model system as of now. An email is to be sent to the ICC with the advice of its legal department in which the Board wanted clarifications from the ICC on the Indian decision. As of now, the entire situation is being gauged by the PCB. No decision has been taken on the next step. Yes, the PCB is in touch with the government for consultation and directives if required."

The ICC Champions Trophy is returning after eight years. England and Wales hosted the last ICC Champions Trophy 2017, where Pakistan won their first title in the competition after beating the defending champions India in the final of the tournament.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will run between eight teams. Apart from the hosts and defending champions Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, South Africa, New Zealand, and England will participate in the upcoming edition of the Champions Trophy. 

After narrowly missing out in the first ODI in Melbourne, the Men in Green roared back in form in the second ODI to hammer Australia left, right, and center at the Adelaide Oval. Haris Rauf was the demolition man for Pakistan as his fiery spell of fast bowling decimated the 2023 ODI World Cup champions for a paltry 163. The speedster bagged his best bowling figures of 5-29 against Australia and accounted for the dismissals of  Inglis, Labuschagne, Hardie, Maxwell, and Cummins.

After bamboozling Australia for such a below-par total, the chase was all too easy for the Rizwan-led Pakistan side as Ayub and Shafique smashed a century-plus opening stand for the first wicket to help Pakistan set the tone for a massive victory. In the end, Pakistan got to their required target of 164 with nine wickets and 23 overs to spare. This win was also their first win on Australian shores since 2017 and their first ever at the Adelaide Oval since 1996.

See also: Josh Inglis named as the temporary captain for the white-ball series against Pakistan

So what did Pakistan manage to achieve? 

Following their emphatic nine-wicket win in Adelaide, Pakistan have stumbled upon a prod record. The Green Shirts have left behind the likes of India and Sri Lanka to become the only Asian team with the most number of wins in ODIs against Australia in their own backyard. They have now registered 18 wins in 54 matches against the Kangaroos in their own turf. This was also their 35th ODI against Australia in this format.   

India and Sri Lanka on the other hand have only managed to secure 14 and 16 wins respectively whereas Afghanistan and Bangladesh are yet to feature in an ODI match against Australia down under. 

What does the win mean for the team?

Following their emmphatic nine-wicket win, it goes without saying that the Pakistan team was extremly elated after delivering such a ground-breaking performance against a tough Australian team. Pakistan, under the new leadership of Mohammed Rizwan found a way to play with an attacking approach which took the hosts by storm. 

Rizwan lauded the bowlers for delivering such an impressive win and expressed that such a big win gives his side the confidence to do a lot better in the coming days. 

"Obviously this win gives us confidence. We want to keep that confidence going. All bowlers had plans and they worked well."

With the series now level at 1-1, the stage is set for an intense showdown at Perth where the two sides will lock horns yet again in what appears to be an enthralling decider. 

The question of whether India will travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has been stirring debate on social media and in cricketing circles. Set to kick off on February 19, 2025, with the final on March 9, the Champions Trophy will be hosted across three venues in Pakistan—Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. With tensions high due to strained political relations between India and Pakistan, fans and analysts alike are keenly watching for decisions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding their team’s participation.

PCB confident of hosting India; Rizwan hopes for a warm welcome

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently expressed optimism about India’s participation in the Champions Trophy, stating that the tournament would proceed as planned with all teams present. Naqvi emphasized Pakistan’s readiness and the country’s hope to see their historic rivals in Pakistani stadiums. Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan’s newly appointed limited-overs captain, echoed Naqvi’s sentiments, highlighting the warmth and camaraderie that cricket can foster between the two nations.

"Pakistan fans love Indian players; we received love in India during the 2023 World Cup,” Rizwan shared. “We also want India to come to Pakistan and play here. If they come, they’ll receive an awesome welcome.” Rizwan’s remarks, along with Naqvi’s confidence, underscore Pakistan’s desire to bridge gaps through cricket, even as political challenges remain.

"Pakistan fans love Indian players; we received love in India during the 2023 World Cup. I'm unsure if they're coming for the Champions Trophy, but one thing is certain - if they come, they'll receive an awesome welcome here." pic.twitter.com/oFfaP4jbzw

— ٰImran Siddique (@imransiddique89) October 29, 2024

See Also: CSK’s retention hints spark IPL 2025 buzz

Concerns over player safety linger: Harbhajan Singh shares his take

The possibility of India’s participation, however, face hurdles beyond just political factors. Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh raised concerns about player safety in Pakistan, which has long been a contentious issue for Indian cricket. “Safety is paramount for our players. If there’s no guarantee of safety, our players shouldn’t travel to Pakistan,” he said in an interview with Times of India. Harbhajan’s views reflect a broader sentiment within Indian cricket circles that the security situation must be thoroughly evaluated before any travel decisions are made.

While the PCB is hopeful for a successful tournament featuring all teams, including India, the ultimate decision rests with the BCCI and the Indian government. Political tensions and security issues will continue to shape the debate leading up to the ICC Champions Trophy, with fans across both nations eagerly awaiting a potential showdown.

Just after Pakistan won the home Test series against England, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the new central contracts for men’s cricketers for the ongoing 2024-25 season. 

The PCB has offered the 2024-25 central contracts to 25 cricketers. This contract is effective from July 1, 2024, for 12 months. 

The PCB officially stated, “The contracts have been offered under the structure that was agreed last year between the players and the PCB for a three-year period.”

Five new names in the central contract

Out of the 25 players, five have been named for the first time in the annual central contracts. These players are Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Irfan Khan, and Usman Khan. All of these players have been named in Category D. 

Only Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have been named in Category A. 

Test captain Shan Masood has earned Category B along with the top pacers Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi. 

Nine cricketers have been named in Category C, and 11 players have been included in Category D. The players like Haris Rauf, Saud Shakeel, and Abdullah Shafique are in Category C. 

2024-25 Central Contract

Category A: Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan

Category B: Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shan Masood

Category C: Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel and Shadab Khan

Category D: Aamir Jamal, Haseebullah, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Hurraira, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr and Usman Khan

Pakistan recently won the home Test series against England

After losing the shocking home Test series against Bangladesh by 2-0, Pakistan recently won another home Test series against England. Despite losing the first Test shockingly, Pakistan dominated the next two Tests to stunningly win the series. 

Pakistan will now travel to Australia for a three-match ODI and another three-match T20I series. Then, they will play another three-match ODI and T20I series in Zimbabwe tour.  

While Pakistan is getting ready to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, there is a big question of whether the Indian national cricket team will travel to Pakistan. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has opened up his views on it.

Pakistan will host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 from February 19 and March 9. If Pakistan hosts all the matches in the upcoming Champions Trophy, Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi will be venues. 

Pakistan previously hosted an ICC tournament in 1996 during the ICC Cricket World Cup, which Sri Lanka won after beating Australia in the final. 

SEE ALSO: India Women to host WODI series against New Zealand after WT20 WC

The last time the Indian cricket team traveled to Pakistan was in 2008

Due to the political tensions between the two countries, India haven’t played a bilateral series against Pakistan since January 2013. Meanwhile, the BCCI hasn’t sent the Indian cricket team to Pakistan since their tour in Pakistan in 2008 during the Asia Cup.   

So, the PCB has a big concern about India’s presence in Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. If India deny coming to Pakistan for the upcoming ICC tournament, the PCB will be forced to shift India’s matches to other neighbouring countries. Sri Lanka or the United Arab Emirates can be good alternative options for Pakistan in this case, but the PCB can then suffer a good amount of profit. 

The Indian government is likely to take the decision on India’s fate to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Previously, the Indian government didn’t allow the Indian national cricket team to travel to Pakistan, including during the Asia Cup 2023, where India played all matches in Sri Lanka. 

The Indian team should come: PCB chairman

However, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is confident in team India’s presence in Pakistan during the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 

Naqvi said, "The Indian team should come. I don't see them cancel or postpone coming here and we are confident we will host all the teams in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.” 

There are also some questions about the stadiums' complete availability during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. While the stadiums’ reconstructions are running, Naqvi is also hopeful about it. 

The PCB chief said, “The stadiums will also be ready to host the matches on schedule and any remaining work would be completed after the tournament. In a way, you can say that we are going to have a brand new stadium."

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has denied No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) to star players Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan for their participation in the Global T20 Canada. This decision was confirmed in an official statement from the board, which followed consultations with the players and the national selection committee. The move comes just a week after the PCB similarly denied an NOC to Naseem Shah for the Hundred, where he was signed by the Birmingham Phoenix.

“The PCB had received NOC requests from Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi for the Global T20 event, amongst other players. After taking into consideration Pakistan’s busy and packed cricket calendar in the period from August 2024 to March 2025, which includes nine ICC World Test Championship matches and next year’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and following consultations with the three players as well as the national selection committee, it has been decided to decline their requests,” PCB said in a statement.

Focus on international schedule and workload management

The PCB cited Pakistan’s busy international schedule as a key factor in their decision. With the trio playing significant roles across all formats, their presence will be crucial for Pakistan’s upcoming fixtures, which include nine Tests, 14 ODIs, and nine T20Is over the next eight months.

The board emphasized that the decision was made in the best interest of managing player workload and ensuring peak performance for crucial international matches.

“PCB had also declined permission to Naseem Shah for The Hundred on the same grounds…”

From October 2024 to May 2025, Pakistan’s packed schedule features series against England, Australia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and the West Indies, culminating in preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy.

“The three are all-format cricketers, and their services are expected to be required in the upcoming eight months during which Pakistan will play nine Tests, 14 ODIs, and nine T20Is. As such, and in line with the PCB’s workload management policy, it is in the best interest of Pakistan Cricket and the players that they skip the upcoming event in Canada so that they are in their best mental and physical shape for the season, which commences with the two-Test series against Bangladesh,” the statement added.

See Also: Mohammed Shami opens up about Sania Mirza marriage rumours – Cricket Winner

“Earlier, the PCB had also declined permission to Naseem Shah for The Hundred on the same grounds,” the PCB said in the statement.

“In the meantime, the PCB has approved NOCs for Asif Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Amir, and Mohammad Nawaz. The four players are predominantly white-ball cricketers, while Iftikhar and Nawaz are centrally contracted players,” the statement concluded.

The cricketing world is abuzz with the latest developments between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the Champions Trophy 2025. PCB has recently demanded written proof from the BCCI, verifying the Indian government’s denial of permission for the Indian cricket team to travel to Pakistan.

PCB demands for written proof

The PCB’s stance is clear: they require the BCCI to provide a written document from the Indian government, explicitly stating the denial of permission for the Indian team to travel to Pakistan. This demand is rooted in ensuring transparency and accountability, as verbal communications can be ambiguous and prone to misinterpretation.

See Also: Para-Badminton champion criticizes Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, and Suresh Raina for ‘mocking’ disabilities

“If the India government declines permission, it has to be in writing and it is mandatory on the BCCI to provide that letter to the ICC now,” the PCB source working closely with organizing committee told PTI.

BCCI’s position

The BCCI has always maintained that the decision to play in Pakistan rests solely with the Indian government. Given the security concerns, the BCCI has expressed reluctance to commit to the Champions Trophy without governmental approval. This position is consistent with their actions during the 2023 ODI Asia Cup, where they opted for a Hybrid Model to avoid playing in Pakistan.

ICC’s role and responsibilities

The International Cricket Council (ICC) plays a crucial role in mediating such conflicts. While the ICC has not included the Hybrid Model discussion on its agenda for the upcoming annual conference, it has allocated additional funds to address any contingencies. The ICC’s position is to ensure that the tournament proceeds smoothly, irrespective of the participating teams’ locations.

“If the India government declines permission, it has to be in writing and it is mandatory on the BCCI to provide that letter to the ICC now,” the PCB source working closely with organizing committee told PTI.

The Champions Trophy’s logistics and scheduling could be significantly impacted if team India refuse to participate. The PCB has already drafted a schedule, with India’s matches, including a potential semi-final and final, planned in Lahore. If India withdraws, the ICC may need to consider alternate venues or even reformat the tournament.

“It is a fact that the we are insistent that the BCCI must inform the ICC about its travel plans to Pakistan at least 5-6 months before the tournament and in writing,” the top PCB source also stated.

Hybrid model discussion

The Hybrid Model, which allows teams to play their matches in neutral venues, has been proposed as a potential solution. Hosting the Champions Trophy as a two-country tournament would incur additional expenses. The ICC has earmarked funds to cover these potential costs, ensuring that the tournament can proceed without financial hindrances.

“The ICC Management is recommending additional costs just in case it is necessary to play some matches outside Pakistan if such a situation arises later on,” the source confirmed.

The cricketing world was taken aback when the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly denied a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to young pacer Naseem Shah for his participation in the upcoming The Hundred tournament.

The Hundred tournament

The Hundred, a revolutionary 100-ball cricket tournament in England, has garnered massive attention since its inception. This year, Birmingham Phoenix drafted Naseem Shah for a substantial sum of £125,000, reflecting their belief in his potential to be a game-changer.

See Also: On this day: India script history with NatWest win in 2002; Iconic celebration by Ganguly at Lord’s

Reasons for NOC denial

The PCB’s decision to withhold Shah’s NOC primarily revolves around workload management and injury prevention. Given his recent injury history and the rigorous demands of international cricket, the board aims to ensure that Shah remains fit and available for crucial national duties.

Naseem Shah’s shoulder injury

Naseem Shah underwent shoulder surgery in October 2023, an injury that unfortunately sidelined him from the ICC World Cup 2023, where Pakistan’s campaign ended prematurely. The surgery required an extensive rehabilitation period of four to six weeks, followed by a gradual return to competitive cricket.

Naseem Shah’s Return to Cricket

After months of recovery, Shah made a triumphant return to the field during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024, where he played a pivotal role in Islamabad United’s title-winning campaign. His subsequent performances for the national team in T20Is and the T20 World Cup underscored his resilience and skill, reaffirming his importance to Pakistan cricket.

PCB’s stance on player workload

The PCB has consistently emphasized the importance of managing player workload to prevent injuries and ensure peak performance during critical matches. With key international fixtures on the horizon, including the World Test Championship matches against Bangladesh, the board is keen to keep its top players in optimal condition.

Impact on Birmingham Phoenix

The denial of NOC to Naseem Shah is a significant blow for Birmingham Phoenix, who had high hopes for the young pacer’s contributions. The team will now need to reassess their strategy and possibly look for a replacement to fill the void left by Shah’s absence.

Other players affected by PCB’s decisions

While Naseem Shah’s NOC was denied, Usama Mir has been granted permission to participate in The Hundred. However, other prominent Pakistani players like Shaheen Afridi and Imad Wasim are still awaiting their NOCs. Earlier reports indicated that NOCs for players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan for the Global T20 Canada were also under consideration, pending ICC approval.