The PCB has not yet received a response from the International cricket Council (ICC) to its queries regarding India's unwillingness to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy to be held in February next year.
The Pakistan cricket Board wrote to the ICC about a week ago seeking a response. The PCB has also asked the BCCI for a written explanation for its travel insecurity. Even after the lack of response from ICC and BCCI, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi has “positive expectations” from the tournament. Notably, this would be the first international event hosted by Pakistan since 1996.
“We sent them [ICC] “The questions we had,” Naqvi said at a press briefing at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. “We are still waiting for their response.” I believe that sports and politics are separate and no country should mix the two. Even now, I still have positive expectations about the Champions Trophy,” Naqvi was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.
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Naqvi also stressed that the PCB takes its decision not to accept the hybrid model seriously and will not deviate from it for the tournament. He mentioned that he is ready to talk to BCCI about the entire situation and break the ice for India's trip to Pakistan for the tournament.
The ICC needs to think about its credibility: Mohsin Naqvi
Asked if PCB would consider the possibility of boycotting the hosting rights of the event, Naqvi said: “Pakistan's pride is of utmost importance.” “At this moment, every team that has qualified for the Champions Trophy is ready to come,” he said. “No one has any problems. I would also like to say today: If India has concerns, talk to us about them. We can allay these concerns. I don’t think there’s any reason why they shouldn’t visit.”
The PCB had announced the route of the trophy tour last week, which would have been held in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The BCCI raised concerns in this regard, which led to the flight being flown away from the destination, but the same has not yet been cancelled. After the visit of the other seven participants, the Trophy Tour returns to Pakistan.
“I feel that the ICC needs to think about its credibility if it is an organization for all bodies in the world,” Naqvi said. “And that route has been postponed, we have not been informed of any cancellation.”
Naqvi also hopes that ICC announces the tournament schedule soon so that Pakistan can start preparations.
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