Pakistan Will 'Host' ICC Champions Trophy, Says PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi, Says No to Hybrid Model

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Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has made a bold statement regarding the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, emphasizing that the tournament will take place in Pakistan, despite objections from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Naqvi firmly stated that Pakistan's pride and respect are paramount, and they will not accept a hybrid model for the tournament. He made it clear that if the BCCI had any concerns or reservations, they should engage in direct talks with PCB to resolve the issue.

"Pakistan's pride and respect is our priority. Champions Trophy will take place in our country only, we will not accept Hybrid Model. If India have any issues, they can come to us and we will sort them out," Naqvi remarked while addressing media outside PCB head office in Lahore.

The ongoing tension between the PCB and BCCI regarding India's participation in the Champions Trophy stems from the BCCI's reluctance to travel to Pakistan due to security concerns. In response, the BCCI has approached the International Cricket Council (ICC), requesting the tournament to be held in a hybrid model.

Under this model, most of the tournament would be played in Pakistan, but India's matches would be shifted to neutral venues like Dubai or Sri Lanka. However, the PCB has made it clear that it does not accept this arrangement and is determined to host the entire tournament in Pakistan.

Naqvi further criticized the ongoing back-and-forth between the cricketing bodies, urging the ICC to act with credibility and make a fair decision regarding the venue. He emphasized that the issue should not be about politics but about sport. "Sports should be kept away from politics and I still expect good from BCCI on the matter of Champions Trophy," Naqvi said.

The PCB chairman also highlighted Pakistan's preparations for the event, asserting that the world should witness the full-fledged efforts being made to upgrade stadiums across the country.

"World cricket must see the ongoing full-fledged preparations of the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. PCB will complete the upgradation work in cricket stadiums of Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi before time," he added.