PCB Chairman says, Pakistan will not accept ‘hybrid’ Champions Trophy
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that it will not stage matches of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy outside the country if India decides not to travel for the tournament. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasized that Pakistan, the reigning champions from 2017, is set to host the event from February 19 to March 9, marking the first ICC event in Pakistan since the 1996 World Cup.
Due to strained political relations, India has not visited Pakistan since 2008 and only competes against them in multi-team events. The PCB is aware of India’s reluctance to travel, as evidenced by India’s matches in the recent Asia Cup being held in Sri Lanka under a “hybrid model.”
Naqvi stated that while Indian media has reported on India’s unwillingness to travel, no formal communication has been received from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He expressed hope that all teams would participate and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to providing excellent facilities for the tournament.