A prime official of the Pakistan Cricket Board declined on Friday to verify media reviews that India has determined towards enjoying any video games in host Pakistan throughout subsequent yr’s Champions Trophy.
“My view is that if there’s any issues, they [India] ought to inform us in writing,” PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi informed reporters in Lahore.
“I am going to share that with the media in addition to with the federal government as quickly as I get such a letter.”
Indian media reported on Friday that the Board of Management for Cricket in India (BCCI) has communicated its issues to all of the Champions Trophy stakeholders, together with the PCB, over the February 19 to March 9 match and wouldn’t play in arch-rival Pakistan.
The Instances of India stated that “Dubai is a powerful candidate to host the fixtures involving the Males in Blue” for the 50-over match.
Such an answer would see Pakistan having to journey to a impartial venue to play India in a gaggle match, with one other potential assembly later within the match if each groups superior from their group.
Pakistan did play India in Ahmedabad in the course of the 2023 Cricket World Cup in India. (Getty Photographs: ICC/Alex Davidson)
The ultimate is scheduled for March 9 in Pakistan with the precise venue not but determined.
“Our stance is evident,” Naqvi stated.
“They should give us in writing any objections they could have. Till now, no dialogue of the hybrid mannequin has occurred, nor are we ready to just accept one.”
Pakistan hosted final yr’s Asia Cup however all India video games had been performed in Sri Lanka beneath a hybrid mannequin for the match. Solely months later, Pakistan travelled to India for the 50-over World Cup.
Political tensions have stopped bilateral cricket between the 2 nations since 2008 and so they have competed in solely multi-nation tournaments, together with ICC World Cups.
“Cricket needs to be freed from politics,” Naqvi stated.
“Any sport shouldn’t be entangled with politics. Our preparations for the Champions Trophy will proceed unabated, and this will likely be a profitable occasion.”
The PCB has already spent hundreds of thousands of {dollars} on the improve of stadiums in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi that are because of host 15 Champions Trophy video games. Naqvi hoped all of the three stadiums will likely be prepared over the following two months.
“Virtually each nation desires the Champions Trophy to be performed right here [in Pakistan],” Naqvi stated.
“I do not suppose anybody ought to make this a political matter, and I do not anticipate they may. I anticipate the match will likely be held on the residence of the official hosts.”
Eight nations – Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and Afghanistan – are because of compete within the match, the schedule of which is but to be introduced by the Worldwide Cricket Council.
“Usually the ICC broadcasts the schedule of any main match 100 days earlier than the occasion, and I hope they may announce it very quickly,” Naqvi stated.
AP
