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Not Playing In Pakistan Missed Opportunity For India: PCB Chairman
Follow UsIndia are playing all their Champions Trophy matches in Dubai
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed disappointment over India's failure to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Pakistan are hosting the Champions Trophy, but the BCCI refused to send the side due to the growing political tensions between the two countries.
As a result, India plays all its matches in Dubai. Naqvi feels India has missed an opportunity to experience the warmth and hospitality Pakistan has to offer.
"We engaged constructively with the ICC and conveyed our willingness to facilitate every possible measure to ensure a smooth and secure visit. Despite these efforts, India has chosen not to travel," Naqvi said in a chat with PTI.
"I think it is also a missed opportunity for Indian players to experience the warmth, love and hospitality that Pakistan has always extended to visiting teams. Pakistani fans would have shown their hospitality to the Indian team."
Despite this, Naqvi says Pakistan are focussed on delivering a world-class event despite India's absence. "We are focussed on delivering a world class event but it is undoubtedly disappointing that India is not playing in Pakistan," Naqvi said.
"It is disappointing- not just for the PCB, but also for cricket fans worldwide, the ICC, its commercial partners and the other participating countries that India is not playing in Pakistan."
Having last hosted an ICC tournament in 1996, the PCB chairman said that the Champions Trophy gives Pakistan a chance to show the world what they are capable of.
"It is an opportunity to reaffirm Pakistan's status as one of the most passionate and influential cricketing nations, fully capable of staging multi-nation tournaments at the highest level. Beyond that, it is our chance to showcase world-class infrastructure, passionate crowds and a cricket culture that deserves more major ICC events in the next cycle," Naqvi said.
"The PCB has invested heavily in renovating stadiums to enhance the experience for players and spectators. "This investment will leave a lasting legacy for Pakistan cricket."