Owais Lateef
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to seek the federal government’s assistance to ensure India’s participation in the upcoming Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan next year. The PCB aims to use diplomatic channels to persuade the Indian cricket team to visit Pakistan. According to high-level sources in PCB, the board is working with federal and provincial security agencies to devise a special security plan for the Indian team, which will be shared with the Indian government through backchannel diplomacy. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the Federal Interior Minister, is playing a crucial role in bringing the government and PCB to a consensus on the matter. Sources reveal that Naqvi will soon discuss the plan with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sahrif, which includes diplomatic efforts to convince the Indian team to visit Pakistan. Although no official discussions took place between the PCB and the Indian Board regarding India’s participation in the Champions Trophy during the recent ICC annual meeting, sources close to the PCB Chairman claim that no Indian official hinted at not visiting Pakistan. The PCB is working on a two-pronged strategy to ensure the success of the Champions Trophy, focusing on security and infrastructure improvements. Major construction work is underway at the Gaddafi Stadium, where the PCB plans to host all of India’s matches. The PCB is keen to avoid a repeat of last year’s Asia Cup experience, where India played their matches in Sri Lanka despite Pakistan hosting the event. The board aims to prepare for any potential proposals from India and formulate a joint plan with the government. The ICC Champions Trophy, featuring the top eight cricket teams, is scheduled to take place in February and March 2025. Pakistan will host the event, marking the country’s first major cricket tournament since the 1996 World Cup.
