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Despite India’s refusal, Pakistan will host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
ISLAMABAD, 19 November 2024: Nawaz Gohar
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Monday affirmed that Pakistan remains committed to hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, even as India refuses to send its team due to political tensions.
The tournament, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, will feature matches in Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Lahore. Pakistan, the defending champion from the 2017 edition held in England, is gearing up for the event while awaiting the ICC’s finalized schedule, expected by November 20.
Speaking at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Naqvi reiterated Pakistan’s readiness. “We will achieve our target and, God willing, host the Champions Trophy safely,” he said.
Naqvi emphasized that sports and politics should remain separate and called on India to engage in dialogue. “If India has concerns, they should talk to us. We are ready to address them. All other qualified teams have no issues coming to Pakistan,” he stated.
“Our stance is clear, we have said it before and we will stick to that stance.”
The PCB has rejected any proposals for a hybrid model, similar to last year’s Asia Cup, where India played its matches in Sri Lanka. Naqvi also noted that the PCB is awaiting a response from the ICC to its recent correspondence on the matter.
During the press briefing, Naqvi also confirmed Aqib Javed’s appointment as interim white-ball head coach. This announcement comes after the PCB dismissed reports suggesting Javed would replace Jason Gillespie as head coach for all formats.
The ICC Champions Trophy tour officially began in Islamabad over the weekend, with the trophy displayed at key landmarks such as Daman-e-Koh, Faisal Mosque, and the Pakistan Monument.