Naqvi promises not to disappoint nation over Champions Trophy formula

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi – while informing about the deferral of an ICC meeting, scheduled for today to decide the Champions Trophy formula – said that a decision exceeding the nation’s expectations is expected soon.

Speaking to media persons in Lahore on Saturday, he said they will inform the nation as soon as something is finalized, and reaffirmed they will not disappoint the nation.

Regarding the deadlock with Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over the hybrid formula, he hinted at the progress but refused to brief about the developments in black and white.

He said he won’t comment prematurely on the terms put forth by any side, adding that he will only be able to provide details once they reached a decision during the ICC meeting. “Currently, the talks are ongoing, so, I will refrain myself from commenting on a developing situation.”

Read more: Champions Trophy: Hybrid model agreed upon ‘in principle’

He, however, expressed hope that “things will get better,” and cricket across the world will get better if the ICC agreed to work upon. “If ICC was damaged in any way, it would have repercussions for the international cricket everywhere in the world. Pakistan hopes its matter will be addressed positively.”

The PCB chairman also said that the condition of the grounds across the country will be improved further and the board will start buying lands for regions lacking cricket grounds. He also emphasized the need for improving domestic cricket to get new talent for the national team.

Replying to another question, he said the board wants to see the Peshawar Stadium ready at earliest, and organize cricket tournaments in those cities, which usually do not host any cricket event.

It may be added here that when the ICC meeting scheduled for Wednesday postponed until Saturday, media reports suggested that Naqvi and the BCCI secretary agreed upon a new version of hybrid formula.

Reports further claimed that the new hybrid model will be in effect until 2027 for all ICC events being hosted in Pakistan and India. Apart from the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy, the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup will take place in India, and the T20I World Cup in 2026 will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.