Champions Trophy 2025: PCB vs BCCI dispute escalates, what will be the decision?

In a new development in the ongoing India-Pakistan saga over next year's Champions Trophy, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly rejected the proposed hybrid model for the event and has sought clarification from the International Cricket Council (ICC) about India's refusal to travel to Pakistan.

PCB seeks response from BCCI

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, speaking on Monday (November 18, 2024), revealed that the board is yet to receive a response from the ICC about the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) decision not to send its men's team to Pakistan. Earlier in November, the BCCI officially informed the ICC that it would not participate in the tournament in Pakistan and requested that its matches be held at a neutral venue.

"If India has any concerns about sending their team to Pakistan they should talk to us and we will address them. I don't think there is any reason for India not to come to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy," Naqvi was quoted as saying in a PTI report.

"We are in talks with the ICC directly and we are still waiting for a response from them so that we can take things forward," he added.

PCB still awaits response from ICC after India's refusal "I have come here to talk about the progress of the construction work and we are waiting for a response from the ICC because they also have to announce the schedule."

"We are ahead of our deadline to complete the construction and finishing at all the three stadiums in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi."

Watch Mohsin Naqvi's stand after BCCI's decision

India have not toured Pakistan since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks and the Champions Trophy is scheduled between February-March 2025. Naqvi, who was recently appointed as the federal interior minister, said the PCB had then written a letter to the ICC about the situation which was conveyed to the BCCI.

Naqvi also refused to comment on the controversy brewing over the Champions Trophy tour to Muzaffarabad, a territory claimed by India and part of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The BCCI had earlier objected to the disputed area being included in the tour. Regarding preparations for the tournament, Naqvi assured that renovation work at the tournament venues was going on as per plan.