The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has adopted a policy of silence regarding India’s participation in the ICC Champions Trophy next year. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has instructed his office and colleagues to refrain from issuing any statements on the matter.
This approach aims to avoid unnecessary controversy and allow the ICC to handle the situation independently. The PCB has already submitted the draft schedule and all necessary documents, including security plans for each team, to the ICC.
Naqvi’s strategy is to continue preparations for the tournament assuming India will attend. The PCB’s main focus is currently on renovating the three match venues—Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi—ahead of an ICC venue inspection team’s visit in September.
Sources within the PCB indicate that Naqvi is coordinating with the government to finalize a strategy in case India refuses to send its team. However, he is keeping any reactions to India’s decision behind closed doors.
Naqvi, who is also the federal minister of interior, has emphasized the importance of avoiding unnecessary controversies on mainstream or social media platforms about the India-Pakistan cricket issue.
The PCB’s silence on the matter is a departure from its previous stance. In the past, the board has been vocal in its criticism of India’s refusal to play bilateral series in Pakistan. However, Naqvi’s approach suggests a more pragmatic and diplomatic approach.
The ICC Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held in Pakistan from September 14 to October 15, 2023. India’s participation is crucial for the tournament’s success, both financially and in terms of fan interest.
The PCB’s decision to remain silent on the matter is a sign of its commitment to hosting a successful tournament and its willingness to work with the ICC to resolve any outstanding issues.
