India's refusal to play in Pakistan disappoints PCB chairman
What's the story
Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi voiced his disappointment over India opting for a neutral venue for their 2025 ICC Champions Trophy matches.
Noyably, Pakistan is hosting its first ICC event in nearly three decades. Meanwhile, India are playing their matches in Dubai, according to the hybrid model adopted by the BCCI, ICC, and PCB.
"We are focused on delivering a world-class event but it is undoubtedly disappointing that India is not playing in Pakistan," Naqvi told PTI.
Global disappointment
Naqvi highlights impact on global cricket community
Naqvi stressed that India's decision is not just a disappointment for the cricket board, but also for cricket fans globally.
He said, "It is disappointing - not just for the PCB, but also for cricket fans worldwide, the ICC, its commercial partners and other participating countries that India is not playing in Pakistan."
The chairman also added that Pakistan has always kept sports and politics separate.
Security assurance
PCB's commitment to security and hospitality
Naqvi, who is also Pakistan's federal interior minister, assured that the PCB and the Pakistani government had given full assurances of security, hospitality, and other logistical arrangements for the Indian team.
"We engaged constructively with the ICC and conveyed our willingness to facilitate every possible measure to ensure a smooth and secure visit," he said.
"Despite these efforts, India has chosen not to travel," the chairman noted.
Lost chance
Naqvi sees India's decision as a 'missed opportunity'
Naqvi also believed India's decision to not play in Pakistan is a "missed opportunity" for Indian players.
He said, "I think it is also a missed opportunity for Indian players to experience the warmth, love and hospitality that Pakistan has always extended to visiting teams."
"Nonetheless, we remain focused on delivering a world-class event, ensuring that cricket takes center stage," he added.
Event impact
Naqvi confident about Champions Trophy's impact on Pakistan cricket
Naqvi remains confident that the Champions Trophy will create a lasting legacy for cricket in Pakistan despite the challenges.
He said, "Beyond that, it is our chance to showcase world-class infrastructure, passionate crowds and a cricket culture that deserves more major ICC events in the next cycle."
The chairman emphasized PCB's substantial investment in upgrading Test venues to provide a world-class experience for both players and fans.
Pakistan tour of India
Naqvi highlights Pakistan's history of playing in India multiple times
Naqvi also emphasized on the fact that Pakistan have played on Indian soil multiple times.
He also highlighted how the most recent occasion of Pakistan visiting India was during the 2023 ODI World Cup.
"Our team has toured India multiple times, including in 2011, 2012, 2016 and most recently in 2023. Naturally, we had hoped that India would reciprocate by participating in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Unfortunately, that has not materialised," he said.
Rivarly
India, Pakistan clash in multilateral tournaments
It is worth noting that India and Pakistan do not engage in bilateral international series due to political tensions. They only face each other in multilateral tournaments.
The two countries recently clashed in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, where India reigned supreme. India also beat Pakistan in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Meanwhile, the last India-Pakistan bilateral series was held in 2012 (in India) when Pakistan defeated India 2-1 in ODIs. Besides, India last visited Pakistan in 2008.