The International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided to postpone the much-awaited meeting to November 30, 2024 from the 29th regarding the venue for the Champions Trophy 2025. According to media reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is standing firm against the hybrid model, according to which India will play their matches outside of Pakistan.
With both BCCI and PCB not ready to budge, the Champions Trophy remains in a deadlock. The PCB had released the draft schedule a few months ago and the BCCI disclosed that they didn’t receive permission from the Indian government to send the Indian team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.
Due to political conflicts between the two nations, India and Pakistan haven’t engaged in a bilateral series since 2012-13 when the Men Green visited toured. However, they do play in the ICC events, with Team India coming out on top on most occasions.
“I promise we’ll do what is best for Pakistan cricket” – Mohsin Naqvi
During a recent press conference at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi declared that it’s unacceptable from India that they don’t come to Pakistan when Pakistan visits the neighbouring nation to play. He said, as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo:
“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.”
The arch-rivals were also the finalists of the 2017 Champions Trophy, with Pakistan clinching their title after defeating India by 180 runs at The Oval.
