Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has taken a firm stance regarding the hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. In a bold statement, Naqvi reiterated that the prestigious tournament will indeed take place in Pakistan, despite the objections raised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Naqvi firmly asserted that Pakistan’s “pride and respect” are of utmost importance and that the PCB would not agree to a hybrid model to accommodate India’s concerns.

He encouraged direct discussions between the two boards to resolve any lingering issues. India, which has not toured Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup, has raised concerns about security and other logistical issues, leading to their reluctance to participate in an event hosted in Pakistan.

“Pakistan’s pride and respect is our priority. Champions Trophy will take place in our country only, we will not accept Hybrid Model. If India have any issues, they can come to us and we will sort them out,” Naqvi said while addressing the media outside the PCB headquarters in Lahore.

The uncertainty over Pakistan hosting the tournament has continued since the BCCI’s objections, but the PCB remains optimistic. Last week, the PCB sent a formal inquiry to the ICC, seeking clarification on India’s stance.

However, with no official response yet from either the ICC or the BCCI, Naqvi remains confident that the Champions Trophy will proceed as planned in Pakistan.

“We have sent them [ICC] the questions we had,” Naqvi explained during a media interaction at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. “We are still waiting for their response. I believe that sports and politics are separate, and no country should mix the two. Even now, I still have positive expectations about the Champions Trophy.”

Naqvi also highlighted the importance of the ICC’s credibility in handling this situation, indicating that the international governing body needs to maintain fairness.

"My feeling is that the ICC will have to think about its credibility, that they are an organization for all the world's bodies," Naqvi added.

The PCB remains focused on ensuring that the Champions Trophy returns to Pakistan after decades of not hosting an ICC event, with the last being the 1996 World Cup. Naqvi’s stance further solidifies the board’s determination to deliver a successful tournament on home soil.