We are confident of hosting Champions Trophy on schedule in Pakistan: PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi

Pakistan is gearing up to host the much-awaited ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The road to the impending event is not smooth sailing for the management as India is adamant about not travelling to the neighbouring country for the tournament. There have been numerous talks and debates around the issue. ICC had recently called a meeting in Dubai to discuss the prospects of Pakistan’s hosting rights. There were also reports of Dubai being the neutral venue for the India games.

The Pakistan Cricket Board chief, Mohsin Naqvi has asserted that there’s no question of the tournament shifting away from Pakistan. It is worth noting that Asia Cup 2023 was supposed to be hosted in Pakistan solely. But India’s denial to travel owing to security concerns led the organisers to opt for a hybrid model. As a result, the tournament was hosted in Sri Lanka and Pakistan with India playing all of their matches in Sri Lanka.  

"Yes we spoke for a while and it was cordial but it would be unwise to divulge details of what was discussed. I am not even thinking on those lines we are confident we will host the Champions Trophy on schedule in Pakistan. Even as I speak plans have been drawn up and work will begin soon on these three stadiums to give the fans the best experience of watching the matches at the venues,” Naqvi said as quoted by Hindustan Times.

Also Read: Champions trophy 2025: PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi to seek participation assurance from BCCI at Dubai meet

India have not toured Pakistan since 2008

The Mumbai terror attacks in 2008 further strained the relationship between the two countries. Since then, India have not played any bilateral series with Pakistan. The last instance when India toured Pakistan was in June-July 2008 for the Asia Cup. Notably, Pakistan have travelled to India for the 2011 World Cup, the 2016 T20 World Cup and the recently concluded 2023 World Cup. Both countries will be meeting once again for the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled in USA and West Indies.