Champions Trophy
\n\u201cChampions Trophy tour has not been cancelled but rescheduled,\u201d says Mohsin Naqvi
\n Islamabad
\nPakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has said that Pakistan is ready to address India\u2019s concerns about crossing the border to play in the Champions Trophy 2025.
\n\u201cIf India has concerns, it should inform us, we will address its reservations,\u201d Naqvi, who also holds the portfolio of interior minister, told reporters at Lahore\u2019s Gaddafi Stadium on Monday.
\nIndia has reportedly rejected visiting Pakistan for the mega tournament with Islamabad, which has shown courtesy previously, standing firm on its stance of hosting the event as multiple other nations have already visited for matches.
\nThe International Cricket Council (ICC) is currently left with limited options after the PCB responded to an email informing Pakistan about India\u2019s decision not to travel to the neighbouring country for the Champions Trophy.
\nSources told Geo News that after obtaining answers from the ICC, the PCB plans to seek legal advice and consult the government for guidance in formulating its next steps.
\nPCB Chairman Naqvi reaffirmed that the Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan, stating: \u201cWe are committed to hosting the tournament in Pakistan as planned.\u201d
\nHe clarified that the PCB is in direct communication with the ICC and is awaiting their response.
\nNaqvi emphasised the separation of sports and politics, saying: \u201cSports and politics are entirely distinct matters.\u201d
\nHe also urged a prompt announcement of the tournament schedule, noting the importance of completing the necessary preparations on time.
\nSpeaking about recent developments, Naqvi reassured that the Champions Trophy tour has not been cancelled but rescheduled, adding that Pakistan remains dedicated to hosting the event successfully.
\nThe tour of the Champions Trophy had begun in Islamabad two days ago after the itinerary for the Pakistan leg was revised by the ICC following objections from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
\nThe revised schedule includes new stops such as Taxila, Khanpur, Abbottabad, Nathia Gali, and Karachi, replacing the initially announced locations of Muzaffarabad, Hunza, and Skardu.
\nGaddafi Stadium upgradation
\nDuring his conversation with the reporters, Naqvi provided updates on various developments within the board and ongoing projects.
\nHe said that the work at Gaddafi Stadium is progressing swiftly and will be completed within the stipulated timeframe.
\n\u201cWe are closely monitoring the upgrade work at Gaddafi Stadium to ensure everything stays on schedule,\u201d he added.
\nDiscussing coaching roles, Naqvi clarified: \u201cAqib Javed has been appointed as a temporary white-ball coach for three months.\u201d He added that the process to hire a permanent coach will commence soon.
\nAddressing other matters, the PCB chief highlighted that Wahab Riaz continues to actively fulfil his responsibilities and emphasised that no one has been removed from their roles.
\nRegarding Mohammad Yousuf, he remarked: \u201cWe are not letting him leave; I am bringing cricketers together, not allowing them to depart.\u201d
\nHe also underscored the significance of Abdul Razzaq, saying that he is \u201cvery important to me\u201d.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Champions Trophy \u201cChampions Trophy tour has not been cancelled but rescheduled,\u201d says Mohsin Naqvi Islamabad Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has said that Pakistan is ready to address India\u2019s concerns about crossing the border to play in the Champions Trophy 2025. \u201cIf India has concerns, it should inform us, we will address its […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":444389,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-444373","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-sports"},"yoast_head":"\n