Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Monday said that he was confident that India will participate in the Champions Trophy even if it is played in Pakistan.
“The Indian team should come. I don’t see them cancel or postpone coming here and we are confident we will host all the teams in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan,” Naqvi said.
The 2025 Champions Trophy is scheduled to start on February 19 with the final set to take place on March 9. Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi have been earmarked as the venues.
India hasn’t sent its team to Pakistan since July 2008 due to tense political relations between the two countries.
Naqvi also stated that the preparations for the tournament were on schedule.
“The stadiums will also be ready to host the matches on schedule and any remaining work would be completed after the tournament,” he said..
Asked about Babar Azam’s resignation from captaincy and who is going to replace him, the PCB chief said he had told the selection committee to take their time and make a long- term decision.
“I have told them to take a decision after careful consideration because the captain’s position is important.” Naqvi also said he had inquired from the selection committee including the captain and head coach of the teams whether it was the right time to introduce some fresh blood in the national sides.
“They said they are okay with the current set-up of players so I told them ‘fine, it is your call’,” he added.
