Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB Chairman, hinted at Pakistan’s openness to bilateral cricket series with India after the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has indicated a willingness to discuss bilateral cricket series with India, but only after the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled for Pakistan in 2025. Most likely, the response came after recent comments by Indian captain Rohit Sharma, where he expressed his desire to play a Test series against Pakistan.
Speaking to reporters in Lahore, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi acknowledged Sharma’s statement. “Look, if any options in this regard come we will consider it, but our target right now is to host the Champions Trophy and first let India come for the tournament,” he said, as quoted by News18.
Naqvi highlighted the packed schedule of the team as a reason for the lack of immediate availability for bilateral matches. “Right now till the CT there is no slot available as our team has a packed itinerary,” he said.
However, he left the door open for future discussions. “Once they come here first then we can look at any proposal whenever it comes before us,” he added.
India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2012–13, when the arch-rivals toured India for a limited-overs series. Political tensions have strained cricketing ties between the two nations, with India refusing to play Test matches in Pakistan since 2007.
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Last year’s Asia Cup further exemplified these tensions. India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan forced the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to adopt a “hybrid model” for the tournament, with most matches played in Sri Lanka.
Despite these past issues, Naqvi’s comments suggested a potential re-knitting of relations. A successful hosting of the Champions Trophy next year could pave the way for a highly anticipated bilateral series between the two cricketing giants.
Last Updated on April 22, 2024
