Pakistan will not accept ‘hybrid’ Champions Trophy, says PCB chair
Pakistan are due to host the tournament between February and March next year but there are concerns over India’s willingness to travel to the country
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Pakistan cricket board (PCB) will not stage matches of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy outside the country if India do not travel for the tournament, chairman Mohsin Naqvi said.
Pakistan, winners of the last Champions Trophy in 2017, will host the tournament between February and March next year. It will be the first ICC event hosted by Pakistan since it shared the 1996 World Cup with India and Sri Lanka.
Due to soured political relations, India have not visited Pakistan since 2008 and the rivals play each other only at multi-team events.
Pakistan also hosted the Asia Cup last year but winners India played all their matches in Sri Lanka under a “hybrid model”.
At the time, India said they had not received permission from their government to tour Pakistan.
On Friday, Indian media reported that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had informed the PCB of their unwillingness to travel to Pakistan and suggested playing India’s matches at a neutral venue.
“In the last two months, the Indian media has been reporting that India isn’t travelling. I discussed this with them and my team, and our stance is clear: they need to give us in writing any objections they may have,” Naqvi told reporters on Friday.
“Until now, no discussion of the hybrid model has happened, nor are we prepared to accept one. The Indian media are reporting it, but no formal communication has reached the PCB... Almost every country wants the Champions Trophy to be played here.
“I remain in touch with several boards, and they’re all looking forward to playing here. I don’t think anyone should make this a political matter. We’ll give every team as many facilities as we can. We’d like to see fans from abroad come for the tournament, too.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments