A day after reports emerged of India not traveling to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and instead expressing desire to play all their matches in Dubai, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has denied receiving any message from BCCI on the subject. "Till today, no one has discussed any 'Hybrid Model' with us nor are we willing to talk about it. But we have been showing good gestures for the last few years and no one should expect us to do it all the time," Naqvi was quoted as saying in a PTI report.
Naqvi held a press meet at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore to issue the denial after BCCI sources claimed that India have informed PCB officially about their plans of not travelling to Pakistan. Hybrid model was followed in Asia Cup (2023) where Pakistan played at home but India played their matches in Sri Lanka.
Naqvi said if and when any such proposal was tabled to the PCB in writing, he would take it to the government. "I will take anything writing to the government and whatever decision they take we have to follow them," Naqvi added.
When asked about the Indian media reports, which cited security concerns behind India's refusal to travel across the border, Naqvi said: "As far as we are concerned, the tournament is being held in Pakistan on schedule and all teams will play here. All the other boards are looking forward to playing in Pakistan."
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Naqvi, who is also Pakistan's interior minister, said that discussions are held with other boards and nothing has changed. "If we get anything in writing on India not coming or coming to Pakistan I will first share it with the government and media," he said. "As things stand we are preparing to host all teams and matches."
The PCB had proposed to BCCI that India can set up base in Delhi or Chandigarh and just fly to Lahore on match days and return on the very day after wrapping up the proceedings but it was rejected.
It was in 2008 when India travelled to Pakistan for the Asia Cup but since the Mumbai terror attack (26/11), the national team hasn't toured the neighbour country. ICC's policy of not interfering in any particular country's government policy stands as it is. From December 1, BCCI's outgoing secretary Jay Shah will be the head of the global body.
Meanwhile, a senior BCCI source aware of the development told PTI: "The status quo remains. It is never BCCI's call whether to travel to Pakistan but Indian government's. Nothing changes on that front. We are not travelling to Pakistan as things stand."
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