New Delhi: After touring India multiple times in the 15 years, Pakistan remain eager to host them for a full-series, Pakistan Cricket Board’s chairman Mohsin Naqvi said.
India haven’t played a bilateral series with Pakistan since 2008 and refused to tour their neighbours citing security reasons arising from long-standing geo-political reasons.
Pakistan were scheduled to play their ICC Champions Trophy in Lahore on February 22 but India’s unwillingness to travel meant the International Cricket Council had to shift the match to Dubai.
India beat Pakistan by six wickets in that match on Sunday, riding on Virat Kohli’s sparkling 100 not out knock, which has his 51st ODI hundred and 82nd international ton.
Naqvi said they remain disappointed that India didn’t travel despite Pakistan assuring of providing stricktest security to Rohit Sharma’s boys in their first major global crickting tournament that they are hosting in 29 years.
“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.
“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.”
‘Missed opportunity’
Naqvi, also a federal interior minister of the Pakistan government, pointed out that Pakistan has upheld the principle of keeping sports and politics separate by touring India several times since 2010, including playing in the ODI World Cup in 2023.
“Our team has toured India multiple times, including in 2011, 2012, 2016 and most recently in 2023. Naturally, we had hoped that India would reciprocate by participating in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Unfortunately, that has not materialised,” he said.
“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 shown their hospitality to the Indian team.
“Nonetheless, we remain focused on delivering a world-class event, ensuring that cricket takes centrestage.”
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed disappointment that India refused to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy citing security concerns Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
