"We need everything in writing if India has any issues" - PCB chief rejects 'hybrid model' plan for Champions Trophy 2025

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi has rejected receiving any official communication from the BCCI regarding India's reluctance to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy. He also said PCB was not "ready" to discuss a "hybrid" model with India's matches to be played at a neutral venue.

Multiple reports in India on Friday (November 8) claimed otherwise, saying that Dubai is being considered a "strong candidate" for hosting the team's fixtures. They were in line with an earlier report in the English daily, The Telegraph, which said Dubai was being considered a back-up venue for the final in case India reach that stage.

"We need everything in writing if India has any issues with travelling to Pakistan. We have been reading reports in the Indian media, but nothing official has come to us. As for the BCCI, we have not received anything from the ICC if the BCCI has written anything to them," Naqvi was quoted as saying by India Today, while inspecting the renovation of the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

He added:

"So far, we have not spoken anything about the hybrid model, nor are we ready to discuss that issue,” he added.

The PCB and the ICC are likely to reveal the schedule of the Champions Trophy early next week. As per reports in local Pakistani media, it'll likely have India's matches slated to be played in Lahore.

"If India does decide to pull out, we will seek advice from our government" - PCB chief

The PCB is close to completing renovation work on stadiums in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi, at a cost of about 13 billion Pakistan rupees, or ₹394 crore. Naqvi added that he still expected India to come, adding that if the BCCI were to pull out, he would approach the Pakistani government for "advice".

“Our preparations for the Champions Trophy are on course and will continue in the same fashion. If India does decide to pull out, we will seek advice from our government and will respond accordingly, as we have been very cordial with the BCCI on so many occasions in the past," he added.

The tournament is set to get underway on February 19, with the final on March 9.