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Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi has delivered a bold warning to the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the hosting of the Champions Trophy (CT) 2025.
Ties between India and Pakistan
Scheduled to start next year between February and March, the tournament was awarded to Pakistan, but the participation of India remains uncertain. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Indian officials have been advocating for a hybrid model, similar to the one used in the Asia Cup 2023, which would allow matches to be played in multiple locations. Due to ongoing geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, which have resulted in a suspension of bilateral cricketing ties since 2012-13, there is significant uncertainty about India’s participation. Despite Pakistan’s repeated visits to India for ICC events, India have maintained a firm stance on the issue.
PCB Chairman strong stand
However, this proposal of hybrid model has been met with resistance from the PCB. Their chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, has adamantly rejected the idea of a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy. According to a report from Pakistani media outlet Express-News, Mohsin Naqvi has made it unequivocally clear that Pakistan will host the global showpiece event as per the original plan, without any hybrid model. The responsibility to ensure India’s participation falls squarely on the ICC, not the PCB.
“PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has made it clear to the ICC that Pakistan will host the 2025 Champions Trophy, and there will be no hybrid model. It’s ICC’s responsibility to bring India to Pakistan for the event, and not PCB’s task,” Naqvi said.
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Champions Trophy 2025 schedule and venue details
Earlier, PCB has finalized and submitted the draft schedule for the Champions Trophy. According to the schedule, all matches, including those involving India, will be held in Pakistan. Lahore has been designated as the primary venue for the tournament, with the crucial matches such as the semifinals and the final scheduled to take place there. The highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan is set for March 1 and is expected to be one of the most-watched games of the tournament. The PCB’s preparation and planning reflect their commitment to hosting the event successfully and adhering to the original terms of the hosting rights.
