PCB stands firm amid Champions Trophy stand-off with BCCI: ‘No one can give us a tough time, ICC needs to think…’

In the midst of the ongoing dispute with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over the Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi confidently stated on Monday that they will not be intimidated. The power struggle between the two cricket boards persists, with India refusing to tour Pakistan for the upcoming eight-team ICC event. The PCB has taken the matter to the International Cricket Council (ICC), seeking clarification on the reasons behind India's decision to skip the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

Mohsin Naqvi, while interacting with the local reporters in Pakistan, also said that the ICC needs to think about its “credibility”. He also displayed confidence of the tournament eventually going ahead in the country.

“We will ensure that Champions Trophy is held in Pakistan. We have written a letter to the ICC, we are awaiting a response. We are just talking to the ICC. I believe sports and politics should not be mixed together. I am just hoping for a positive result,” said Naqvi while speaking to the reporters.

“I think no one can give us a tough time. Every ICC member has its right, things cannot function like this. I am just hoping for a positive result when it comes to Champions Trophy,” he added.

The PCB chairman also said that the ICC needs to reveal the schedule for the upcoming tournament as soon as possible. He also asked the BCCI to indulge in a dialogue, if they have any concerns regarding visiting Pakistan for the tournament, which is set to be played in Lahore, Rawalpindi and Karachi.

“ICC needs to think about their credibility, the Champions Trophy tour has been rescheduled. Every other team in the world, that has qualified for the Champions Trophy, is ready to come and has no issue. If India have any concern, then I suggest them to talk to us. I don't think there is any reason for them to not come here,” said Mohsin Naqvi.

“The ICC needs to announce the schedule, I am just hoping they announce the schedule soon. We are waiting for the schedule, the sooner it is announced, the sooner we can get the stadiums ready,” he added.

Recently, the ICC had announced the trophy tour for the Champions Trophy. It started in Islamabad on November 16. The silverware will reach India on January 15 and stay here until the 26th.

Talking about the tournament, hosts Pakistan, along with India, South Africa, England, Australia, New Zealand, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, are slated to participate.

Pakistan had won the last Champions Trophy after beating India in the 2017 final.

Talking about India and Pakistan, the two nations have not played bilateral cricket against each other after 2012. India last toured Pakistan in 2008 for the Asia Cup.