Champions Trophy: PCB looks to Indian govt for final word: Mohsin Naqvi

ISLAMABAD: After the Indian media claimed that the Indian cricket team will not travel to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has said that the PCB was waiting for an official response from the Indian government and the India cricket board, and not relying on media speculations.

Naqvi’s comments came after Indian media said that the India’s team would not take part in the tournament if held in Pakistan.

“For months, Indian media has been claiming that the tournament won’t be held here and that India won’t participate,” he said. “However, we’re focused on our preparations and are awaiting official responses from both the Indian board and government. The Champions Trophy tournament will proceed as scheduled in Pakistan,” he said.

Naqvi said that there were no plans to hold the event in a hybrid format. “The PCB remains hopeful of a positive response from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI),” he said.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to send a delegation to Lahore from November 10 to 12 to assess Pakistan’s preparations for the event.

An official event is anticipated on November 11, where details of the tournament schedule and other logistics may be confirmed.

The Champions Trophy is slated to run from February 19 to March 9, 2025 with matches scheduled in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi.