PCB offers to address India’s concerns over Champions Trophy 2025

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed readiness to address any concerns raised by India regarding its participation in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, which is set to be hosted by Pakistan.

Speaking to reporters at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Monday, Naqvi stated, “If India has concerns, it should inform us, we will address its reservations.”

Naqvi’s comments come in the wake of reports that India has rejected the proposal to travel to Pakistan for the tournament.

Despite this, Naqvi reaffirmed that Pakistan is fully committed to hosting the event, emphasizing that the tournament will proceed as planned.

“We are committed to hosting the Champions Trophy in Pakistan as planned,” Naqvi declared, adding that the PCB is in direct communication with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and is awaiting further responses from the governing body.

Mohsin Naqvi also reiterated the need for the ICC to announce the tournament schedule promptly to allow for timely preparations.

PCB chief also addressed the ongoing infrastructure upgrades at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, which is being renovated in preparation for the Champions Trophy.

“We are closely monitoring the upgrade work at Gaddafi Stadium to ensure everything stays on schedule,” he said, confirming that the renovation is progressing as expected.

In addition to his comments on the Champions Trophy, Naqvi provided updates on several internal matters within the PCB.

He confirmed that Aqib Javed has been appointed as the temporary white-ball coach for three months, with plans to begin the process of hiring a permanent coach soon.

Naqvi also assured that key figures like Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Yousuf remain in their roles, with no changes made to their responsibilities.

Regarding Abdul Razzaq, Naqvi emphasised his importance, stating that Razzaq remains a significant figure in Pakistan cricket.

Naqvi also clarified that the revised schedule for the Champions Trophy, which had been altered following objections from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), includes new venues such as Taxila, Khanpur, Abbottabad, Nathia Gali, and Karachi, replacing previously planned locations like Muzaffarabad, Hunza, and Skardu.

The PCB has also indicated that it will seek legal advice and consult the government regarding the next steps following India’s refusal to travel for the tournament, with the board remaining determined to ensure the successful hosting of the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.