Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed frustration over India's refusal to play any matches in Pakistan during the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, 2025. Naqvi emphasized that Pakistan has not received any official communication from India regarding their decision to avoid playing in Pakistan. He stated, "If there's any problem, they [India] should tell us in writing."
Indian media reports suggest that India prefers to play their matches at a neutral venue, such as Dubai, due to political tensions between the two nations. However, Naqvi clarified that no formal discussions have taken place regarding a hybrid model, and Pakistan is not prepared to accept one. He reiterated that sports should remain free from politics and expressed confidence in Pakistan's ability to host a successful tournament.
In preparation for the Champions Trophy, Pakistan has been upgrading stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. Naqvi acknowledged that none of the country's stadiums currently meet international standards, highlighting significant differences between Pakistani venues and those in other countries. He noted issues such as inadequate seating, insufficient bathroom facilities, and poor viewing angles.
Despite these challenges, Naqvi remains optimistic about completing the renovations on schedule. He stated that the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) is working diligently to ensure the stadiums are ready in time for the tournament. Naqvi emphasized that providing basic facilities in stadiums is the PCB's top priority.
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing discussions between the PCB, the International Cricket Council (ICC), and other stakeholders to resolve the venue and participation issues ahead of the Champions
Trophy.
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