The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has asserted its determination to host the entire Champions Trophy in Pakistan, rejecting the possibility of a hybrid model. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasized that the board has not received any official communication from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) expressing concerns about the Indian team’s participation in Pakistan.
Naqvi’s stance marks a departure from the PCB’s previous cautious approach on the issue of India’s reluctance to travel to Pakistan. He stated that the PCB is prepared to host all of India’s matches in Lahore, which is conveniently located near the Indian border, to facilitate logistics and security. The PCB has also offered to arrange up to 17,000 visas for Indian fans during the tournament.
Naqvi expressed confidence that Pakistan has demonstrated goodwill towards India in the past, referring to the team’s participation in the ODI World Cup in India despite India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup. He emphasized that Pakistan should not be expected to make such gestures indefinitely if India continues to decline to visit Pakistan.
The PCB has identified three venues – Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi – for the tournament. Naqvi stated that “almost every country” is eager to see the Champions Trophy played in Pakistan and that the PCB will provide all necessary facilities.
However, ESPNcricinfo reports that the BCCI has not yet discussed the matter internally. The Indian board’s stance remains unchanged, and it will await the Indian government’s approval before making a decision on whether to travel to Pakistan.
The Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, although the ICC has yet to officially announce the schedule.
