In the past, we’ve heard Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials make flippant statements, often accusing India of sabotaging Pakistan. However, things have started to change. PCB’s current chief, Mohsin Naqvi, has decided that neither he nor any other board officials will make any statement or comment regarding India’s participation in the Champions Trophy 2025.
Mohsin Naqvi’s advice to PCB officials, stay mum
The move comes days after BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla said that he expects some retaliation from Pakistan if India doesn’t travel to the neighbouring nation for the Champions Trophy 2025.
“That is why, in recent days, there is no comments or statement coming from either Naqvi or any other board official on what will happen if India doesn’t send its team to Pakistan. The PCB has sent the draft schedule and submitted all other documents, including security plans for each team, to the ICC. Now it is for the onus of the ICC to convince India to send its team,” a PCB insider told PTI.
For the unaware, the Men in Blue haven’t toured Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup Final. However, the Shaheen’s have been forced to travel to India due to BCCI’s stronghold on cricket. Just last year, Pakistan had to travel to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup because they couldn’t boycott the tournament. Hosting the ICC event would be a lot of a burden, and to risk India’s participation would be like shooting themselves in the foot.
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PCB’s strategy to counter BCCI
Instead of countering the BCCI, the PCB has decided to stay mum and let the ICC deal with things. They’ve had the draft schedule cleared by the board, and the budget was approved as well during the recent ICC annual meeting in Sri Lanka.
“It is clear Naqvi doesn’t want to show the PCB’s cards on what will be the reaction of the board if India again refuses to send its team, but behind closed doors, after meetings with the government officials, a strategy has been finalized,” another source told PTI.
