‘Pakistan’s Honour Comes First’: PM Shehbaz Sharif Praises PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi as Champions Trophy 2025 Tussle Goes On

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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has become a contentious issue, with Pakistan’s hosting rights challenged by the BCCI’s reluctance to play matches in Pakistan due to security concerns.

This stand-off has delayed the announcement of the tournament schedule, initially expected at least three months before the event, reportedly slated for February 19.

Despite mounting pressure, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has refused to accept a hybrid model – where matches involving India would be played at a neutral venue – unless reciprocity is guaranteed for future ICC events in India.

This stance, praised by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, reflects a strong nationalistic sentiment. “Pakistan’s honour comes first, and everything else follows,” PM Sharif said, as quoted by A Sports in Pakistan. ”In the ICC, you represented Pakistan’s 240 million people. Pakistan’s honour comes first, and everything else follows.”

India vs Pakistan: A Standoff with Broader Implications

Mohsin Naqvi affirmed Pakistan’s readiness to host the Champions Trophy. “We want Pakistan and cricket to succeed,” the PCB chief said. “We want Pakistan and cricket to succeed..”

However, the deadlock persists as the BCCI has firmly rejected Pakistan’s reciprocal demands, which would allow the PCB to opt for a similar hybrid model for tournaments hosted in India through 2027. The broadcaster’s concerns over logistics and revenue streams have further complicated negotiations, with ICC meetings yielding no resolution so far.

The hybrid model has precedent, having been implemented during the 2023 Asia Cup. However, Pakistan’s refusal to settle for a one-sided arrangement has increased the likelihood of the tournament being relocated if no compromise is reached. Discussions between the PCB, BCCI, and ICC have reportedly stalled, leaving uncertainty about the Champions Trophy’s future.

Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister, met PM Sharif to brief him on recent developments. Reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to hosting the event, Naqvi emphasised the importance of not disappointing the nation. “We had a meeting (with the ICC) today, it’s been postponed,” he said. “Once the details have been finalised, we’ll update you.”

The ongoing impasse highlights the broader tensions between the cricket boards of India and Pakistan, with diplomatic relations often spilling over into sporting decisions. For Pakistan, hosting the Champions Trophy is more than a logistical challenge – it’s a matter of national pride. As Sharif noted, the PCB’s stance resonates deeply with the aspirations of the nation.

While the uncertainty continues, the Champions Trophy 2025 has already become a symbol of the complex interplay between cricket, diplomacy, and national identity. Whether a compromise is reached or the event moves out of Pakistan, the outcome will have long-lasting implications for the sport’s dynamics in the subcontinent.