LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi reaffirmed on Monday that Pakistan will host the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, despite India’s decision not to send its team due to ongoing political tensions.
The 2025 edition of the tournament, which will take place from February 19 to March 9, is scheduled to be held in Pakistan, marking the first time since 1996 that the country will host the event. India, who have not visited Pakistan since 2008 due to strained relations, has declined to send its national team for the eight-nation tournament. This follows a similar situation in the 2023 Asia Cup, where India played their matches in Sri Lanka under a “hybrid model.”
The International Cricket Council (ICC) was informed last week by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that India would not be traveling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. Despite this, Naqvi remains confident that the tournament will go ahead in Pakistan, with matches scheduled to take place in Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Lahore. The ICC is expected to announce the official schedule by November 20.
Addressing the media at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Naqvi said, “We are determined to host the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, and with God’s will, we will do so safely.” He also emphasized that Pakistan had written to the ICC regarding their stance on the tournament, specifically rejecting the idea of a hybrid model, but were still awaiting a response.
Naqvi reiterated that politics should not interfere with sports and urged that the matter be resolved diplomatically. “If India has concerns, they should come forward and discuss them with us. We are ready to address any issues they may have,” he said.
He further pointed out that all other teams who have qualified for the tournament were eager to participate in Pakistan, expressing confidence that the event would proceed smoothly.
Regarding the Champions Trophy schedule, Naqvi mentioned that the PCB was still waiting for the ICC to make an official announcement so that proper arrangements could be made. He also confirmed the appointment of Aqib Javed as the interim head coach for Pakistan’s white-ball team, following the clarification that Javed would not be replacing Jason Gillespie as the head coach for all formats.
