LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)'s chairman Mohsin Naqvi has refused to talk about the latest development in the Champions Trophy 2025 deadlock.
Speaking to the media here at the LCCA Ground, Naqvi said he doesn't want to talk about any premature development.
"I am not going to talk about any development. Yes, things are under discussion. Today's meeting also gets postponed. We are waiting for ICC to sort out things," Naqvi told a reporter.
However, Naqvi still believes that the decision would benefit Pakistan and international cricket.
To a query about Jay Shah's, the new ICC president, stance towards a neutral approach to international cricket, Naqvi said, "It should happen. Because, if ICC remains neutral, it will be good for international cricket."
ICC meeting postponed
Another day, another postponement of the ICC board meeting on Champions Trophy 2025 due to no response from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
According to sources, the PCB has told ICC that there is no purpose of any meeting until India respond to their demands in an expected “new formula” to host the mega event.
PCB had suggested a "fusion formula" in which both India and Pakistan would not visit each other for ICC events during the next three years.
This suggestion came in light of India’s decision to not go to Pakistan to play Champions Trophy matches next year. In response to India’s one-sided favour, PCB demanded equality.
Earlier, an Indian media outlet claimed that BCCI has agreed on the new model which is expected to be executed. However, the Indian board is yet to make anything official.
Press Trust of India (PTI) claimed that the Champions Trophy 2025 will be held in both Pakistan and the UAE, with India’s matches taking place in Dubai.
Meanwhile, PCB has stressed the need for a written guarantee from the ICC.
“The PCB wants assurance from the ICC, not the BCCI, that the hybrid model will be implemented without issues,” a source close to the negotiations said.
“Everything must be documented to avoid future complications.” According to the sources, the PCB wants this arrangement to be made part of the host agreement.
According to insiders, the matters are in the final stages but require clarity on India’s stance.
