Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi reiterated the board’s firm stance on hosting the Champions Trophy on Wednesday, emphasizing that they would do whatever it takes to ensure the best outcome for Pakistan cricket.
“Our stance is very clear,” Naqvi said during a press conference held at the Gaddafi Stadium. “I promise we’ll do what is best for Pakistan cricket. I’m constantly in touch with the ICC chairman, and my team is in constant communication with them. We’re still clear in our stance that it’s not acceptable for us to play cricket in India while they don’t play cricket here. Whatever happens will happen on the basis of equality. We’ve told the ICC very clearly, and we’ll let you know what happens next.”
The Champions Trophy is scheduled to be hosted at three venues in Pakistan over February and March next year. However, India, which has not toured Pakistan since 2008, informed the ICC earlier this month that their government had not given them permission to travel to Pakistan for the event.
“Whatever we do, we will make sure the best outcome for Pakistan is achieved,” Naqvi said multiple times. “But I repeat, and I am sure you understand what I mean: it’s not possible that Pakistan plays in India, and they don’t come here,” Naqvi added.
Naqvi also said that any decision taken at the ICC meeting would then be submitted to the Pakistan government by the PCB for final approval.
He also urged Jay Shah, who will leave his post as BCCI secretary to take over as ICC chairman on Sunday, to show concern for the ICC’s benefit in his handling of the organization.
“(Jay Shah) takes charge in December, and I’m sure once he moves from the BCCI to the ICC, he will prioritize the ICC’s benefit, and that’s what he should do. Whenever anyone assumes such a role, they should only consider the interests of that organization.”
(With agency inputs)
