New Delhi: Pakistan will get all support needed from its government to host the Champions Trophy next year, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured the country’s cricket board on Sunday.
Sharif is patron-in-chief of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and had assured its chairman Mohsin Naqvi of extending all help necessary for the tournament that is scheduled to begin on February 19.
The PM has told the PCB to keep is self respect intact, adding that money wouldn’t be an obstacle and sentiments of the public should also be kept above all.
India’s refusal to play in Pakistan has reportedly forced the ICC to accept a ‘hybrid model’ for hosting the event. India’s matches would be held in Dubai with the ICC and PCB agreeing “in principle” to a similar arrangement when India host multi-lateral events till 2027.
The PCB had undertaken a huge infrastructural renovation project costing millions and Naqvi briefed Sharif the status of it to the PM.
“The Prime Minister assured his complete support to the PCB on the issue and appreciated the stance taken by the (PCB) chairman on India refusing to play in Pakistan in the mega-event,” a PCB source told PTI.
‘Feeling of Pakistan paramount’
Sharif told Naqvi that the PCB should keep its pride intact while dealing with India’s refusal to tour while agreeing to any decision that the ICC takes.
“The stance adopted by the PCB reflects the feelings of all Pakistanis when it comes to the Champions Trophy after the refusal of India to play in Pakistan,” Geo TV quoted Sharif as saying to Naqvi during the meeting.
Reports suggest the BCCI’s unwillingness to accept the ”fusion formula’ of the PCB to the ICC. It has forced the PCB to seek the Paksitan government’s advice on the matter.
“Basically, Naqvi wanted to keep the PM updated and get his approval if the PCB decides to break the deadlock with any tough decision on the tournament,” the PCB source added.
In another development, Pakistan Super League franchise owners have submitted a list of unsold overseas Indian Premier League players to the PCB for the tournament’s draft.
Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif is patron-in-chief of Pakistan Cricket Board and assured its chairman Mohsin Naqvi of extending all help necessary for the Champions Trophy. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
