PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi held a press conference on Thursday morning in Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium to clear Pakistan’s stance ahead of the ICC’s Board of Directors Meeting, scheduled on 29 November. While addressing media at Gaddafi Stadium, Naqvi said the Pakistan Cricket Board is “clear” that any decision on hosting the Champions Trophy should be made “on the basis of equality.”
Ahead of the ICC’s virtual meeting and perhaps the voting on the Champions Trophy issue scheduled on November 29; Naqvi stated he had spoken with ICC chairman Greg Barclay and that “his team” at the PCB was in contact with the ICC.
“Our stance is very clear. I promise to do what’s best for Pakistan cricket. I am regularly in contact with the ICC chairman, and my team is continuously communicating with them. It is adamantly unacceptable for us to play cricket in India when they do not play cricket here. Whatever happens, it will be on an equal footing. We have informed ICC, and we will keep you updated on what occurs next.” Naqvi said during the press conference.
Naqvi repeated his stance on the hybrid model by saying that a “hybrid model” in which Pakistan hosts the majority of the games but India’s games are staged elsewhere was unacceptable. “Our stance is clear: they must submit any objections in writing.”
“Until now, no discussion of the hybrid model has happened, nor are we prepared to accept one.” Naqvi also said that the PCB hasn’t received any formal objections from BCCI yet, but he did not specify whether ICC had responded to questions raised by the PCB concerning India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the event.
Naqvi repeated several times that PCB is still in talks with ICC over BCCI’s any written objection; however, he declined to directly answer repeated questions about whether a hybrid model was still unacceptable to the PCB.
“Whatever we do, we will make sure the best outcome for Pakistan is achieved,” Naqvi stated several times. “But I repeat, and I am sure you know what I mean: it’s not possible that Pakistan plays in India, and they don’t come here.” Naqvi’s words could be a possible reference to Pakistan’s consideration of terms for participation in future Indian-hosted events.
Naqvi told reporters that if the decision of the upcoming meeting of the ICC doesn’t go in Pakistan’s favor, the PCB would definitely consult with the Pakistani government for final approval.
While wrapping up the press conference, the PCB chief said that Pakistan’s objectives heading into ICC’s meeting are not going to be pecuniary. “I guarantee we will not surrender our rights only to get more money. This will never occur. But we will do what is best for Pakistan.
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