I still have positive expectations: Mohsin Naqvi

Mohsin Naqvi (Source – Twitter/X)

The PCB is yet to get an answer from the International Cricket Council (ICC) to their questions about India’s unwillingness to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy which is going to be held in February next year.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has written to ICC about a week ago and asked for a response. The PCB has also asked for a written explanation from the BCCI for their travel uncertainty. Even after the lack in response from the ICC and BCCI, PCB’s chief Mohsin Naqvi has “positive expectations” about the tournament. It is notable that this would be the first international event that Pakistan will host since 1996.

“We have sent them [ICC] the questions we had,” Naqvi said at a press interaction at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. “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 as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

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Naqvi also highlighted that the PCB is stern about its decision not to accept the hybrid model and will not shift from it for the tournament. He did mention that he is ready to talk to BCCI about the whole situation and to break the ice on India’s travel to Pakistan for the tournament.

ICC will have to think about its credibility: Mohsin Naqvi 

When asked whether PCB would consider an option of boycotting the event’s hosting rights, Naqvi said “Pakistan’s pride is of primary importance.” “At this moment, every team that has qualified for the Champions Trophy is ready to come,” he said. “Nobody has any issues. I will say today also, if India has any concerns, speak to us about them, we can ease those concerns. I don’t think there is any reason for them not to visit.”

The PCB had announced the route of the trophy tour last week which would have taken place in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan Administered Kashmir. The BCCI raised concerns over this which led to taking off the destination but it has not been cancelled yet. The trophy tour will return to Pakistan after visiting the other seven participants.