The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been repeatedly saying that the Indian team must come to Pakistan to play in the Champions Trophy. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been equally firm, insisting that under no circumstances will they send their team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.
Due to this ongoing war of words between the two boards, it is still uncertain whether India will participate in the Champions Trophy next February and, if so, where their matches will be held.
Hearing BCCI’s latest firm statement, PCB Chairman Mohsin Nakvi issued a strong response today. Speaking to reporters in Lahore, his message was clear: they have been polite and accommodating for a long time, but they will not always be so courteous.
Nakvi’s reaction came following a report in an Indian media outlet. Citing an involved source, the Times of India reported that the BCCI has decided not to send their team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.
According to a BCCI source quoted by the Times of India, “We have informed them (PCB) in writing about our preference to host our matches in Dubai.” Another source was quoted as saying, “The BCCI has conveyed its concerns to the PCB regarding matches in Pakistan. They prefer to play at a neutral venue, and Dubai is an excellent location for hosting India’s matches.”
Previously, an Indian news agency, PTI, reported that the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy would be held in a “hybrid model.” To ensure India’s participation, the PCB proposed organizing the tournament in this format, with India’s matches being hosted in Dubai and Sharjah. However, Pakistan’s Sama TV claimed that the reports of the hybrid model were baseless and that all matches would be held in Pakistan.
This time, PCB Chairman Nakvi directly addressed the reporters, stating, “Pakistan has shown a lot of courtesy in recent years. But no matter what, we will not always remain courteous.” Nakvi had previously expressed, “We still want cricket to remain outside politics.” The BCCI, on the other hand, had indicated that any decision on touring Pakistan would follow the Indian government’s policies. Due to political tensions and security concerns after the 2008 Mumbai attacks, India has not toured Pakistan. However, the two rivals have faced each other in ICC tournaments.
Last year’s Asia Cup was also held in a hybrid model. When the BCCI refused to send their team to Pakistan, India’s matches were ultimately hosted in Sri Lanka.
