PCB Chief ensures Champions Trophy plans will proceed as scheduled: All teams to be hosted in Pakistan

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is optimistic about the possibility of the BCCI sending the Indian team to Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. Despite speculations suggesting otherwise, Naqvi believes that India will ultimately honor their commitment to participate in the tournament. There have been rumors that the BCCI may push for a hybrid model, rather than sending the team to Pakistan. However, Naqvi remains confident that the BCCI will come to an agreement with the ICC that allows the Indian team to travel to Pakistan. The last time Team India visited Pakistan was back in July 2008, amidst political tensions between the two countries. Despite this, Pakistan successfully visited India last year for the 2023 ODI World Cup, showcasing that cricket can transcend political barriers. Naqvi is hopeful that the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy will provide another opportunity for the two nations to come together through the power of cricket.

PCB chief has asserted that they are confident that India will come to play in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

"The Indian team should come. I don't see them cancel or postpone coming here and we are confident we will host all the teams in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan," Naqvi said.

PCB has already submitted a draft schedule for the mega ICC event which is scheduled to begin from February 19, and the final is on March 9. Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi have been earmarked as the venues.

He also said that Pakistan was prepared to host all the teams including India and preparations were on schedule.

"The stadiums will also be ready to host the matches on schedule and any remaining work would be completed after the tournament," he added.

Naqvi said the stadiums would "definitely" be in a much better shape to host the tournament in February-March.

Recently, BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla said the Indian government will take a final call on whether the national cricket team will travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy next year.

“No decision has been taken (yet). But our policy is that for international tours, we always seek the permission of the government. It’s up to the government to decide whether our team should go to any country or our team should not go to any country,” Shukla told reporters after Kanpur Test.

“In this case (also), whatever the government will decide, we will abide by that,” he added.

Asked about Babar Azam's resignation from captaincy and who is going to replace him, the PCB chief said he had told the selection committee to take their time and make a long- term decision.

"I have told them to take a decision after careful consideration because the captain's position is important."

Naqvi also said he had inquired from the selection committee including the captain and head coach of the teams whether it was the right time to introduce some fresh blood in the national sides.

"They said they are okay with the current set-up of players so I told them 'fine, it is your call'," he added.