New Delhi: Amid speculation that Pakistan has agreed to a hybrid model for the 2025 Champions Trophy, allowing India to play their matches in Dubai, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi addressed the matter. He hinted at a willingness to compromise on Pakistan’s initial stance of hosting the entire tournament within the country.
Speaking to the Pakistani media during the India-Pakistan clash at the U-19 Asia Cup on Saturday (November 30) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Mohsin Naqvi suggested a willingness to find a middle ground. He emphasized that the priority remains ensuring cricket emerges as the ultimate winner.
“A lot is happening at the moment, and I want to ensure that nothing I say jeopardizes the ongoing process. We’ve presented our perspective, and India has shared theirs. Everyone involved is working hard to find a win-win solution, and above all, to ensure that cricket emerges as the true winner.
“The most important aspect is to resolve matters in a way that allows everyone to move forward with their pride intact.We will take the steps that are best for the game of cricket. Whatever formula we decide on – not the hybrid one – it will ensure equal footing for every party involved,” said Naqvi.
“There are many considerations at play, but at the end of the day, our focus remains on ensuring that cricket emerges as the true winner. What is paramount here is Pakistan’s pride. Inshaallah, we are committed to protecting Pakistan’s prestige while ensuring the game thrives,” the PCB chairman added.
However, Naqvi criticized India’s one-sided approach and expressed confidence that a long-term resolution to the India-Pakistan dispute regarding hosting rights for tournaments in both nations would eventually be achieved.
“My effort has always been to put an end to the one-sided approach, where we travel to India, but they don’t reciprocate. Everything happening now is aimed at resolving this once and for all, to settle it for good. Whatever the outcome, it will ensure equality for all parties involved. That is my promise.
“I can assure you that the solution we arrive at will be a long-term one, not just for the Champions Trophy. It will address the challenges ahead and set a foundation for whatever comes in the years to follow,” Naqvi said.
It was disclosed yesterday that during Friday’s meeting, the ICC issued an ultimatum to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), urging them to either accept the hybrid model or risk losing the hosting rights for the 2025 Champions Trophy altogether.
