GHOTKI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) Chairman Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan on Sunday in Sardar Garh.
The meeting was held to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral ties and promote cricket between Pakistan and the UAE.
During the meeting, Naqvi welcomed the UAE official, saying, “Your visit to Pakistan is a matter of honor for us.”
He further praised the UAE leadership for its unwavering support to Pakistan, highlighting the long-standing relationship between the two nations.
The dialogue focused on promoting the growth and development of cricket, with both leaders agreeing to collaborate on initiatives that would benefit the sport.
“We will work closely with the UAE to promote cricket,” Naqvi said.
Naqvi also invited Sheikh Nahyan to attend the Champions Trophy matches scheduled to be held in Pakistan during February-March next year.
In response, Sheikh Nahyan conveyed his best wishes for the successful organization of the prestigious tournament, highlighting the UAE’s strong ties with Pakistan.
“We value our relationship with Pakistan and wish them every success with the Champions Trophy,” said Sheikh Nahyan.
Reflecting on the importance of hosting the multinational event, Naqvi expressed excitement, promising to make the tournament memorable.
“There is immense enthusiasm in Pakistan to host the Champions Trophy. Our goal is to make it an exceptional and unique tournament,” he said.
It is pertinent to mention that the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 will be played in hosts Pakistan and at a neutral venue, confirmed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday.
This decision is part of a broader agreement under which matches between India and Pakistan in ICC events during the 2024-2027 rights cycle will be played at neutral venues, ensuring logistical and security viability.
The ‘merger formula’ will apply to major ICC tournaments after the Champions Trophy, including the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup (hosted in India) and the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup (jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka).
According to this formula, the knockout stage matches, including the final, will be played at a neutral venue if India and Pakistan qualify.
The PCB has also been awarded hosting rights for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028.
Faizan Lakhani is deputy editor (sports) at Geo News.
