PCB chief hints at ‘long-term’ system relevant to all ICC occasions – SUCH TV
As uncertainty looms over Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed optimism {that a} “long-term” system, which can be useful for each nation and cricket, can be chalked out that can apply to all future occasions of Worldwide Cricket Council (ICC).
“We is not going to enable one-sided selections […] selections ought to be made based mostly on equality,” Naqvi, who can also be the inside minister stated whereas talking to journalists in Dubai on Saturday.
The event, scheduled to happen in Pakistan, has change into a bone of competition between Pakistan and India, with the BCCI refusing to ship its workforce to Pakistan, citing safety considerations regardless of assurances.
A web-based assembly convened by the Worldwide Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday geared toward resolving the problem lasted simply quarter-hour with out concrete outcomes.
The PCB has categorically rejected the hybrid mannequin proposed through the digital assembly, beneath which all of India’s matches can be performed exterior Pakistan.
Sources stated that the Indian cricket governing physique has reportedly sought extra time after Pakistan’s agency stance.
Speaking to the media at present, Naqvi stated that it isn’t honest that Pakistan go to India for ICC occasions, however the neighbouring nation doesn’t, stressing the necessity for “long-term talks”.
He additional stated that the selections can’t be restricted to the Champions Trophy solely, including {that a} system for future tournaments have to be chalked out.
In one other growth, the PCB chief met Mubashir Usmani, the chairman of the ICC affiliate member committee and former secretary of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) in Dubai at present.
Taking to X (previously Twitter), the PCB stated that Naqvi in his assembly with Usmani mentioned “vital points concerning the organisation of the Champions Trophy event”.
“Pakistan is absolutely ready to host the event in our nation. We’re a peaceable nation, and our individuals have a deep love for cricket.” Naqvi advised Mubashir.
The PCB chairman and his workforce additionally assured that every one the incoming groups will get presidential-level safety through the occasion.
He expressed pleasure for the event, saying, “Cricket followers in Pakistan are eagerly awaiting the matches. Each taking part workforce can be supplied with state-guest-level protocol and safety.”
Reflecting on the considerations raised by the BCCI, Naqvi pressured the significance of preserving cricket separate from politics. “This event is a major honour for our nation. We warmly welcome each workforce with open hearts and can guarantee a world-class expertise for all,” he added.
Apart from discussing the Champions Trophy, the assembly additionally targeted on selling cricket in each Pakistan and the UAE.
‘Not acceptable’
The PCB chief had already communicated Pakistan’s place throughout discussions with ICC Chief Government Geoff Allardice in Dubai on Thursday, reiterating that the board wouldn’t entertain this proposal.
“This isn’t acceptable. Each time Pakistan is required to play in India, we comply. But, when it’s India’s flip to play in Pakistan, excuses are made. Each nations have to be handled equally beneath the identical guidelines,” Naqvi asserted. He added whereas different workable options may very well be thought of, the hybrid mannequin was fully off the desk.
The ICC Board deferred the problem, leaving it to the PCB, ICC, and the Board of Management for Cricket in India (BCCI) to discover a decision. Sources revealed that Pakistan’s unwavering stance has put the ICC in a tough place, with choices now together with a possible postponement of the event, rescheduling or introducing a backup host nation like Sri Lanka.
Including to the continued mess, India’s Ministry of Exterior Affairs (MEA) said that it’s “unlikely” the Indian workforce would journey to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy as a result of “safety considerations.”
A spokesman for the Exterior Affairs Ministry put the onus on the BCCI saying that it fears Indian workforce safety. “It’s the BCCI that has to make the ultimate name on the workforce’s go to to Pakistan,” an Indian Ministry spokesman stated.
BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla constantly emphasised that the Board will strictly adhere to the directives issued by the Indian authorities. Mohsin Naqvi dismissed the considerations, clarifying Pakistan’s confirmed monitor report in internet hosting worldwide groups over the previous six years.
