LAHORE: Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met Federal Minister for Home Affairs and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to discuss the latest developments regarding the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Naqvi briefed the Prime Minister on the progress of the prestigious event, which will be held in Pakistan.
During the meeting, Sharif expressed his admiration for Naqvi’s principled approach to the tournament.
“Your stance on the Champions Trophy is the voice of all Pakistanis,” said Prime Minister Sharif.
Shehbaz Sharif also expressed full confidence in Naqvi’s leadership in handling the tournament’s hosting matters.
“At the ICC, you represented Pakistan’s 240 million people,” Shehbaz noted.
“Pakistan’s honor comes first and everything else comes after,” he added.
Naqvi reassured the Prime Minister about the PCB’s readiness to host the Champions Trophy, stating: “The PCB is fully prepared to host the Champions Trophy tournament in Pakistan.”
“We want Pakistan and cricket to be successful,” he declared.
Concluding the meeting on a positive note, the Home Minister expressed optimism about the future, saying: “InshaAllah, good news about the Champions Trophy will come soon.”
It is pertinent to mention that the ICC board meeting on December 7, 2024, pertaining to the 2025 mega event tournament, has once again been postponed due to lack of response from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
According to sources, the PCB informed the ICC that there is no point in holding any meeting until India responds to its demands regarding an expected “new formula” to host the mega event.
The PCB suggested a “fusion formula” under which neither India nor Pakistan would visit each other for ICC events in the next three years.
This suggestion came in response to India’s decision not to travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy games next year.
In response to India’s unilateral approach, Pakistan’s board demanded equality.
Earlier, an Indian media outlet claimed that the BCCI had agreed to the new model, which is expected to be implemented. However, the Indian board is yet to make any official statement.
Press Trust of India (PTI) reported that the 2025 Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan and the UAE, with India’s matches taking place in Dubai.
However, the PCB emphasized the need for a written guarantee from the ICC.
“The PCB wants assurances from the ICC, not the BCCI, that the hybrid model will be implemented smoothly,” said a source close to the negotiations.
“Everything must be documented to avoid future complications.” According to sources, the PCB wants this agreement to be included in the headquarters agreement.
According to internal sources, the matters are in the final stage, but require clarification on India’s position.
