New Delhi: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi said there are no concerns as he reacted to Jay Shah’s appointment as the new chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Shah became the youngest ICC president of all time after being elected unopposed to the top post last month. He will take over from New Zealand’s Greg Barclay, who opted against seeking a third term.
Pakistan Cricket Board were reportedly mute spectators during Shah’s election process as 15 of the 16 directors of the ICC put their weight behind the BCCI secretary to take over the reins from Barclay after his nomination. PCB neither expressed support nor denied it during the process. Shah’s appointment is also being seen as a huge blow to PCB in their bid to have the Indian team visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy next year.
However, Naqvi denied any concerns and said he is in touch with Shah, who will begin his stint as the ICC president in December this year. “We are in touch with Jay Shah; there are no concerns about his becoming ICC Chairman. The ACC meeting is on September 8 and 9,” Naqvi told reporters in Pakistan, as quoted by Geo News.
Naqvi also revealed that he will not be attending the upcoming ACC meeting where a decision is expected on who can become the next president of the Asian Cricket Council after Shah’s elevation to the top post at ICC. As per reports, Naqvi is the favourite to take over the reins from Shah at ACC after his elevation to the top post at ICC.
“I will not be able to attend the meeting, and Salman Nasir will attend. The meeting will finalise matters related to the new president,” said the PCB chairman.
Mohsin Naqvi on Champions Trophy 2025
Naqvi’s comments on Shah came amid the ongoing tussle between PCB and the BCCI over the Champions Trophy 2025. PCB is the official host of the tournament, which is scheduled to take place in February of next year. However, BCCI is yet to confirm whether they will allow Rohit Sharma-led Team India to travel to Pakistan for the competition.
BCCI is reportedly unlikely to allow the Indian team to travel to Pakistan due to security reasons. However, PCB are confident of hosting the entire tournament in Pakistan despite no confirmation from BCCI yet. Naqvi said he is in touch with the boards of the participating countries and that the Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan.
“The Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan. We are in touch with the boards of the teams participating in the tournament,” said the PCB chairman.
Amid the ongoing row between BCCI and the PCB over the Champions Trophy next year, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi broke his silence on Jay Shah’s appointment as the new ICC president. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
