PCB chairman directs officials to avoid commenting on India’s participation in CT 2025

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has directed all PCB officials to refrain from commenting on India’s participation in the Champions Trophy 2025, marking a departure from the board’s prior practice of openly criticizing India.

This directive aims to maintain diplomatic silence and enable the International Cricket Council (ICC) to handle the matter.

In a shift from previous practices where PCB officials frequently made accusatory remarks about India, Naqvi’s directive now emphasizes a more diplomatic approach. This change follows India’s refusal to tour Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023, leading to a hybrid model with Sri Lanka as co-host.

Sources indicate that Naqvi’s directive was influenced by a statement from BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla, who suggested that India might retaliate by not participating in the Champions Trophy 2025.

Consequently, the PCB is focusing on collaborating with the ICC, which has received the draft schedule and security plans for the tournament from Pakistan.

Moreover, there have been no recent comments from Naqvi or other board officials regarding the potential consequences if India does not send its team to Pakistan.

The PCB has submitted the draft schedule and security plans to the ICC, and it is now up to the ICC to persuade India to participate, according to BCCUPCB source.

While the PCB remains discreet about its potential responses to India’s decision, it has reportedly developed a strategy with government officials in private.

The board is committed to successfully hosting the Champions Trophy, which will be Pakistan’s first major tournament since the 2008 Asia Cup.