The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has firmly stated that it will not accept the hybrid model for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasized that no discussions have been held regarding the hybrid model, and the board is not ready to consider it.
As the 2025 Champions Trophy approaches, Pakistan is set to host the prestigious event, but the possibility of India’s participation has been clouded by ongoing political tensions. In the past, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has repeatedly refused to travel to Pakistan, leading to the relocation of the 2023 Asia Cup to a hybrid model. In this model, India played its matches in Sri Lanka while Pakistan hosted the rest of the teams.
The PCB aims to avoid a similar situation for the 2025 Champions Trophy. Naqvi made it clear that the PCB has yet to receive any formal communication from the BCCI about their decision to travel to Pakistan. He also added that the Indian media’s reports in the last two months about India not traveling were acknowledged by the PCB, but no written objections have been presented by India.
Naqvi remarked,
“Our position is very clear: if India has any concerns, they need to provide us with a written objection. Until now, we have not engaged in any conversation about a hybrid model, nor will we accept it.”
Naqvi also highlighted Pakistan’s gestures of goodwill towards India, such as the team’s willingness to travel to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup, even though India had not traveled to Pakistan for the 2023 Asia Cup. He further stressed that Pakistan cannot be expected to make such gestures repeatedly if India refuses to come.
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“If we receive any formal letter from India, I will take it to my government and follow their directions. Pakistan has shown goodwill in the past, but if India continues to refuse, we will not be as accommodating in the future,” Naqvi concluded.
It has been reported that the BCCI has not yet made an official decision about their travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. The Indian board is waiting for the Indian government’s approval to make a final call on the matter.
