Unaware of BCCI decision on Champions Trophy participation: PCB chief

Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has said that the PCB has not received any formal communication from the BCCI regarding India's decision to refrain from playing in the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year.

Naqvi’s remarks followed reports from Indian media indicating that India had opted against traveling to Pakistan for the tournament scheduled from February 19 to March 9, 2025.

Speaking with reporters in Lahore, Naqvi mentioned that they have yet to receive any official correspondence from the BCCI or the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding India's position.

“We have a clear position that any issues from the Indian cricket board need to be presented to us in writing. To date, we haven't discussed any hybrid model, but we are open to talks on this,” he stated.

“If the Indian media is reporting this, then there should be some letter from the ICC or possibly the Indian Board has made this known somewhere. As of now, I have not received any such communication at the PCB,” Naqvi clarified.

Naqvi also reaffirmed the PCB's dedication to keeping cricket free from political influences. "We wish for cricket to remain separated from politics. No sport globally should be subjected to this kind of politics," he noted.

When questioned about the potential of a "hybrid model," where some of India's matches might be hosted at neutral locations like Dubai, Naqvi indicated that any decision would need to be coordinated with the Pakistani government. "I will need to bring this matter to the government and implement whatever decision they arrive at," he remarked.