PCB chief insists on equality in hosting ICC Champions Trophy 2025

In Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing an ongoing dispute regarding the hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. A virtual meeting scheduled for November 29, 2024, will address the hosting rights of this marquee tournament, which is set to take place in Pakistan early next year. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi has publicly asserted the board's commitment to handling the situation with a focus on equality between Pakistan and India in cricket matters. Specifically, he emphasized that it is unacceptable for Pakistan to play cricket in India while India has not reciprocated with visits to Pakistan since 2008 due to ongoing political tensions. The situation is especially pertinent as India has consistently declined to travel to Pakistan for cricket events, including the recent 2023 Asia Cup, due to government restrictions stemming from political issues between the two nations. With the ICC eager to resolve this situation, Naqvi's statement underscores that the PCB will not agree to a 'hybrid model' that would shift some matches to neutral venues or India. He has insisted that any decision made must uphold fairness and equal treatment for both countries. Naqvi expressed confidence that Jay Shah, who will transition from the BCCI to the ICC chairman position on December 1, 2024, would make equitable choices, thus considering the interests of the organization he will lead. This anticipated leadership change at the ICC brings hope for some in the PCB that a more equitable arrangement might be devised regarding participation and hosting rights in future tournaments. The PCB's strong stance is indicative of a broader sentiment within Pakistan cricket regarding its treatment in the international cricket landscape. Over the years, the PCB has advocated for reciprocal arrangements that address the imbalance created by India's absence from Pakistan. As a step forward, Naqvi mentioned that the PCB will ensure decisions prioritizing the best interests of Pakistan cricket are pursued, revealing the board’s strategy to leverage its hosting rights effectively while advocating for collaboration across borders, ultimately hoping to restore balance in cricket diplomacy. These developments come amidst a backdrop where India is set to host multiple ICC events, highlighting the discrepancies in how hosting and participation are managed between the two countries. With the ICC Champions Trophy just months away, the PCB's actions and resolutions made in the upcoming virtual meeting hold significant implications for the future of cricket relations between India and Pakistan, as well as for the organization of the championship itself in Pakistan.