LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has directed all PCB officials to refrain from commenting on India’s participation in Champions Trophy 2025.
The decision marks a shift from past practices where PCB officials often issued incriminating statements against India.
Earlier, the 2023 Asia Cup was to be hosted by Pakistan, but due to India’s refusal to tour, the event was held in a hybrid model with Sri Lanka as co-hosts.
Media reports suggest that Naqvi’s directive follows a statement by BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla, who suggested that Pakistan could retaliate if India chooses not to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
“That is why there is no comment or statement coming from Naqvi or any other board official in the last few days about what will happen if India does not send its team to Pakistan. The PCB sent the draft schedule and submitted all other documents to the ICC, including the security plans for each team. It is now up to the ICC to convince India to send their team,” a PCB source told PTI.
The PCB decided to remain silent and let the ICC deal with the situation as it had already approved the draft schedule and budget at the recent ICC annual meeting in Sri Lanka.
“It is clear that Naqvi does not want to show the PCB cards about what the board’s reaction will be if India again refuses to send its team, but behind closed doors, after meetings with government officials, the strategy has been finalised,” another source added.
Pakistan are set to host their first major tournament since the 2008 Asia Cup and are putting in a lot of effort to make the event a success. However, India’s reluctance to travel to the 2025 Champions Trophy poses a significant challenge to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
