Champions Trophy 2025: PCB chief expresses willingness to talk to BCCI to break deadlock

Reiterating its stance of not using a hybrid model for the upcoming 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) president Mohsin Naqvi on Monday said he still retained "positive expectations" about the tournament, and added that he is willing to speak to the BCCI to break the deadlock that arose after the Indian board refused to send its team to Pakistan, citing security concerns.

"At this moment, every team that has qualified for the Champions Trophy is ready to come. Nobody has any issues. I will say today also, if India has any concerns, speak to us about them, we can ease those concerns. I don't think there is any reason for them not to visit," Naqvi told reporters in Lahore on Monday.

Naqvi maintained that the PCB is still awaiting a reply from the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the details and clarity on the BCCI's decision, which was conveyed to the global body. Despite all the confusion, Naqvi said he was still hopeful about the tournament, the first ICC event Pakistan will host since 1996.

"We have sent them (ICC) the questions we had. 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," he said.