ICC Champions Trophy standoff between PCB vs BCCI continues ahead of ICC Virtual meeting
Just a day ahead of the ICC meeting for the ICC Champions Trophy, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi has claimed that they would do whatever is best for Pakistan Cricket. Naqvi has made it clear that he is determined to hold on to their stance. He believes that it is unfair given Pakistan travel to India to play ICC tournaments, but the reverse is not reciprocated.
The main objective of the PCB is to hold the tournament on the basis of equality. “Our stance is very clear. I promise we’ll do what is best for Pakistan cricket. I’m constantly in touch with the ICC chairman and my team is talking to them constantly. We’re still clear in our stance that it’s not acceptable that we play cricket in India, and they don’t play cricket here. Whatever will happen, will happen on the basis of equality. We’ve told the ICC very clearly, and what happens next we’ll let you know,” Naqvi said.
This is the first time since 1996 that Pakistan is hosting an ICC tournament and tensions continue as the PCB and BCCI are stranded in a standoff. The BCCI has made it clear that under no circumstances will the India Cricket Team travel to Pakistan. As a result, the BCCI has informed ICC that they are happy to take part in the tournament in a hybrid model.
On the other hand, PCB is not happy with this idea. They claim the Pakistan Cricket Team traveled to India last year to take part in the ODI World Cup 2023 and wants the same thing in return. PCB has also claimed that the final decision will be taken by the Pakistan government.
PCB denies Hybrid Model
Mohsin Naqvi has further reiterated that they will continue to hold their stance on the Hybrid model. They are unwilling to agree to the new arrangement. “Our stance is clear: they need to give us in writing any objections they may have. Until now, no discussion of the hybrid model has happened, nor are we prepared to accept one,” Naqvi said previously.
Naqvi further added that India has yet to communicate with Pakistan regarding the issue. He claimed that the BCCI hadn’t sent any written communications about their unwillingness to travel to Pakistan. “Whatever we do, we will make sure the best outcome for Pakistan is achieved. But I repeat, and I am sure you know what I mean, it’s not possible that Pakistan play in India, and they don’t come here,” Naqvi added.
“[Jay Shah] takes charge in December, and I’m sure once he moves from the BCCI to the ICC, he will think about the ICC’s benefit, and that’s what he should do. Whenever anyone assumes such a role, he should only consider the interests of that organisation. I promise you that we’ll not just sell our rights out just for more money. This will never happen. But we’ll do whatever is best for Pakistan,” Mohsin Naqvi concluded.
