Bilal Ahmed 
tensions rise as pcb tells india not to expect good gestures amid champions trophy
Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) warned India against expecting any “good gestures” in light of recent events surrounding the Rohit Sharma-led team’s visit to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy the next year.
According to Indian media on Friday, India has made the decision to continue with the choice of not sending its team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy next year which is a major setback for cricket.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has communicated its security concerns to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and asked them to conduct their matches to be played in Dubai rather than Lahore.
“We still want cricket to be separate from politics”
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi who also serves as the interior minister did not hold back in voicing his dissatisfaction with these behaviors of India. He told the reporters in Lahore, “In recent years, Pakistan has extended numerous good gestures. However, we hope we are not expected to show good gestures always.”
He pointed out that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had not sent any “letter” to the cricket regulation body. “We’ve made it very clear that if they [the Indian cricket board] have any problems, they have to give it to us in writing,” he continued.
In addition, he stated that if the BCCI formally refused to send its team to Pakistan, he would discuss it with the federal government.
“I will consult with the government if the BCCI confirms that the Indian team will not travel to Pakistan in writing. Then, we will abide by whatever decision the Pakistan government makes,” Naqvi added.
In addition, Naqvi stated that they will keep working on the Champions Trophy preparations hoping that “it will be a successful event.”
The full 2025 Champions Trophy will take place in Pakistan in three cities, Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi from February 19 to March 9. To ease logistical and security issues, it recommended holding all of India’s games at Lahore which is close to the Wagah border.
Since 2008, India has not participated in an international match in Pakistan. After the BCCI refused to send a team to the Asia Cup in Pakistan last year, a hybrid format was established with the following stages taking place in Sri Lanka. Pakistan did however, travel to India shortly after for the 2023 ODI World Cup but they were unable to get past the semifinals.
