The PCB chairman Mohsing Naqvi has stated that the Board remains ‘clear’ in their decision on hosting the Champions Trophy and it should be made ‘based on equality’.
Earlier BCCI made their stance clear about not travelling to Pakistan to play Champions Trophy and PCB has stated that the hybrid model is ‘unacceptable’ to them.
As a result, the ICC board meeting will bring a decisive decision for the mega event in Februrary. The Virtual meeting and potentially voting on the issue will be conducted on November 29, Naqvi said he had been in touch with ICC chairman Greg Barclay and that ‘his team’ at the PCB was in contact with the ICC.
“Our stance is very clear,” said Naqvi. “I promise we’ll do what is best for Pakistan cricket. I’m constantly in touch with the ICC chairman and my team is talking to them constantly.”
“We’re still clear in our stance that it’s not acceptable that we play cricket in India, and they don’t play cricket here. Whatever will happen, will happen on the basis of equality.”
“But I repeat, and I am sure you know what I mean, it’s not possible that Pakistan play in India, and they don’t come here.”
“We’ve told the ICC very clearly, and what happens next we’ll let you know.” The Champions Trophy is scheduled to be hosted across three venues in Pakistan over February and March next year.
Naqvi did say any decision taken at the ICC meeting would then be taken to the Pakistan government by the PCB for final approval. He also urged Jay Shah, who leaves his post as BCCI secretary to take over as ICC chairman on sunday, to show concern for the ICC’s benefit in his handling of the organisation.
“[Jay Shah] takes charge in December, and I’m sure once he moves from the BCCI to the ICC, he will think about the ICC’s benefit, and that’s what he should do. Whenever anyone assumes such a role, he should only consider the interests of that organisation.”
“I promise you that we’ll not just sell our rights out just for more money,” told Naqvi as the PCB’s goals going into the meeting were not financial.
