‘I promise we’ll do what is best for Pakistan cricket’- PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi on current Champions Trophy 2025 scenario

Mohsin Naqvi, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), provided insight into the current situation around the 2025 Champions Trophy hosting. India declined to travel to Pakistan to play in the ninth edition of the multi-nation competition, citing player security concerns, which has caused controversy. In order to facilitate India’s participation, the International Cricket Council (ICC) proposed a hybrid tournament plan, which the PCB quickly rejected.

Regarding hosting the Champions Trophy, Naqvi stated on Thursday, November 28, that PCB’s position is unambiguous. The Men in Blue can visit their neighbor if Pakistan can go to India to play, he remarked. The Men in Green traveled to India to compete in the ODI World Cup last year. Naqvi declared that he will put equality first and do whatever is best for Pakistani cricket.

“We have a clear position. We will act in Pakistan cricket’s best interests, I swear. My team and I communicate with the ICC chairman on a regular basis. We continue to maintain our position that they don’t play cricket here and that it is unacceptable for us to do so in India. Whatever occurs, it will be based on equality. At a news conference, Naqvi stated, “We’ve communicated with the ICC in a very clear manner, and we’ll keep you informed of any developments.”

The phrase “whatever we do, we will make sure the best outcome for Pakistan is achieved” was repeated by Naqvi. “But I repeat, and I am sure you know what I mean, it’s not possible that Pakistan play in India, and they don’t come here,” said the politician.

In his remarks, Naqvi alludes to Pakistan’s consideration of the conditions surrounding its participation in upcoming events that will take place in India. Notably, India will co-host the 2026 T20I World Cup with Sri Lanka and host the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup.

Anybody who takes on such a role should solely think about the organization’s interests: Mohsin Naqvi

Naqvi stated that the PCB would subsequently bring any decisions made during the ICC meeting to the attention of the Pakistani government for final approval. He also asked Jay Shah, who will step down as BCCI secretary to begin his term as ICC chairman on Sunday, to handle the organization with consideration for the ICC’s welfare.

“Jay Shah will take over in December, and I have no doubt that he would consider the ICC’s advantage after switching from the BCCI, which is what he ought to do. When someone takes on such a responsibility, they should only think about the organization’s interests,” Naqvi said.

The 46-year-old added that improving Pakistani cricket will be the primary emphasis of the PCB’s objectives going into the conference, which excluded financial gain.

“We won’t simply give up our rights in order to get more money, I assure you. Never will this occur. However, we will take whatever action is best for Pakistan,” he stated.