Mohsin Naqvi silent on Pakistan’s demand for tri-series amid Champions Trophy 2025 deadlock

Mohsin Naqvi and Champions Trophy.
(Photo Source – Twitter/X)

Mohsin Naqvi refrained from commenting on Pakistan’s proposal for a tri-series involving India at a neutral venue. Speaking to reporters in Lahore on Saturday, December 7, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief said that he has no intentions of imperilling Pakistan’s position in the ongoing Champions Trophy negotiations by discussing the topic.

“I prefer not to delve into specifics at this time, as preserving our position is critical. Pakistan is playing a constructive role in the process and will continue to do so,” Naqvi said in Urdu when he was asked whether the PCB requested for a tri-series featuring India.

According to a report from Cricbuzz, Pakistan’s cricket governing body had proposed a tri-series at a neutral venue in a bid to negotiate and resolve the ongoing deadlock but the idea didn’t find takers. The Champions Trophy conundrum has been a hot topic of discussion among cricket aficionados as it has garnered widespread attention.

On Sunday, December 8, Naqvi had a meeting with Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif. The timing of this meeting, coming amid the deadlock situation of the Champions Trophy, is vital as the PCB has repeatedly mentioned that it will come to a settlement only after having a consultation with the government.

The ICC Board members have pushed the case for a hybrid model, with India’s games potentially being scheduled in the UAE. However, the PCB has demanded that the same hybrid formula should continue when it is their turn to head to India to compete in ICC events. The discussions have come to a standstill at this point. Over the next seven years, concluding in 2031, India have the honour of hosting four global tournaments and one continental championship, with three of them set to be contested in the next couple of years.

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“At this stage, I cannot comment further. There was a meeting on Saturday (December 7) and it was postponed. Once the ICC approves the decisions, we will provide all the details. Rest assured, we are doing our best to achieve an outcome that serves the best interests of Pakistan and international cricket. However, the final decision lies with the ICC,” Naqvi said.

The last edition of the Champions Trophy was played in 2017. The Men in Green beat India by 180 runs at The Oval in London in the final. Fans are waiting to watch the two arch-rivals renewing their rivalry on the big stage during the showpiece event.