DUBAI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday held a detailed meeting with Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) General Secretary and Chairman of International Cricket Council (ICC) Associate Members Committee Mubashshir Usmani in Dubai and discussed Pakistan’s preparations for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The Champions Trophy is scheduled to be played in February-March next year in Pakistan. Pakistan is ready to host the tournament and ensure state-level security for the participating teams. The country is upgrading cricket stadiums which are scheduled to be completed on time.
Eight teams are scheduled to participate in the tournament with Pakistan as host. Other teams include India, Australia, New Zealand, Bangladesh, South Africa, Afghanistan, and England.
The tournament will follow a round-robin format in the group stage, leading to knockout rounds. The top teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, culminating in a final match scheduled for March 9, 2025, in Lahore.
Mohsin Naqvi briefed the UAE Cricket head about the progress and upgradation of cricket stadiums in Pakistan. He said that Pakistan is fully prepared to hold ICC Champions Trophy matches and already finalized a plan in this regard, media reported.
During the meeting, Naqvi and Usmani discussed various measures to promote cricket in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.
According to media reports, the PCB chief informed Usmani that the situation in Pakistan was stable and all teams taking part in the mega-event would be provided state-level security.
Naqvi said the renovation work at the stadiums which will host the mega tournament was also on schedule and the people of Pakistan were looking forward to watching the best teams and players play in the country.
The PCB chief said that hosting of ICC Champions Trophy is an honour for Pakistan. “We will welcome all the participating teams from the core of our hearts and will ensure a world-class experience for all,” Naqvi said.
Reflecting on the concerns raised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Naqvi stressed the importance of keeping cricket separate from politics.
ALSO READ: ICC Board Meeting on 2025 Champions Trophy Postponed Amid Pakistan-India Stalemate
Earlier on Friday, a crucial ICC board meeting convened to discuss the future of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was adjourned just 15 minutes after it began.
The ICC board decided that all the respective parties will continue to work towards a positive resolution to the ongoing impasse.
With the impasse continuing following India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the tournament, the hybrid model seems to be the only feasible option, even though the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has vehemently opposed the move.
According to media reports, all 15 members of the board – 12 full members and three directors from the associate nations – attended the meeting, but no decision could be reached since the PCB refused to relent from its position.
دئبی۔چئیرمین پاکستان کرکٹ بورڈ محسن نقوی کی متحدہ عرب امارات کے کرکٹ بورڈ کے سابق سیکرٹری و آئی سی سی ایسوسی ایٹس ممبر کمیٹی کے چیئرمین مبشر عثمانی سے ملاقات
چیمپئنز ٹرافی ٹورنامنٹ کے انعقاد کے حوالے سے اہم امور پر تبادلہ خیال
پاکستان اور یو اے ای میں کرکٹ کے فروغ کیلئے مزید… pic.twitter.com/kyuKjq1bX1
— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) November 30, 2024
The meeting was called in the wake of India’s refusal to play in Pakistan, followed by Pakistan’s firm stance rejecting a hybrid model and warning that it would reciprocate by boycotting future events in India if the situation persisted.
India last toured Pakistan in 2008 for the Asia Cup, and the two teams have not played a bilateral series since the 2012-13 season in India. Since then, India and Pakistan have only faced each other in ICC and Asia Cup tournaments.
The ICC Champions Trophy was last held in 2017, after which it was discontinued. However, it was reinstated for two editions in 2025 and 2029 due to its popularity and demand among cricket fans. Pakistan is the defending champion, having won the last edition against India.
