‘All teams will come to Pakistan for Champions Trophy’: PCB chairman on India’s participation | Cricket News
India’s participation in the Champions Trophy next February-March in Pakistan is not yet certain and depends on permission from the Indian government. But Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, has no doubt that all teams, including India, will come to Pakistan for the tournament.
Talking to reporters at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Naqvi updated the local media on the refurbishing work going on at the venue to spruce it up for the Champions Trophy.
The PCB chairman was also asked the obvious question about the Indian team’s participation in the Champions Trophy, which is making a comeback to the International Cricket Council (ICC) calendar after seven years.
“We are ready to host the Champions Trophy. All teams will come,” he said in his reply before being quizzed about the possible visit of Jay Shah to the country once he assumes the ICC office as its new chairman on December 1.
The reporters asked Naqvi if he is looking forward to meeting Shah whenever he visits as the ICC chairman.
“I don’t think the details of his meetings have been decided yet,” said Naqvi, before reiterating his previous statement. “There is nothing of that sort until now because of which the Indian team postpones or cancels their participation. So, all teams will come.”
India have yet not confirmed their participation, with a possibility of the tournament being played as a hybrid model and include a venue outside Pakistan for India’s matches — like it was done for Asia Cup previously.
The PCB, however, is reportedly willing to ease the logistical requirements of the Indian team and fans by hosting all India matches in Lahore, which is close to Amritsar.
