Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has instructed all PCB officials to avoid commenting on India’s participation in the Champions Trophy 2025, signalling a shift from the board’s previous approach of openly criticising India.
This move is seen as an attempt to maintain diplomatic silence and allow the International Cricket Council (ICC) to mediate the issue.
In a notable change from past practices, where PCB officials often made accusatory statements against India, Naqvi’s directive aligns with a more diplomatic approach. The decision comes after India refused to tour Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023, resulting in a hybrid model with Sri Lanka as co-hosts.
Reports indicate that Naqvi’s instruction was influenced by a statement from BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla, who hinted at potential retaliation if India decided against participating in the Champions Trophy 2025. This situation has prompted the PCB to focus on working closely with the ICC, which has received the tournament’s draft schedule and security plans from Pakistan.
“That is why, in recent days, there is no comments or statement coming from either Naqvi or any other board official on what will happen if India doesn’t send its team to Pakistan. The PCB has sent the draft schedule and submitted all other documents, including security plans for each team, to the ICC. Now it is for the onus of the ICC to convince India to send its team,” a PCB source told PTI.
The PCB remains tight-lipped about potential responses to India’s decision but has reportedly formulated a strategy with government officials behind closed doors. The board is determined to host the Champions Trophy successfully, marking Pakistan’s first major tournament since the 2008 Asia Cup.
