'Haven't received any...,' PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi on ICC stance on Champions Trophy schedule

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi has reiterated the country's stance of not accepting the 'hybrid model' for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. The statement comes after India's refusal to travel to Pakistan for the ICC event due to security concerns.

"Pakistan's pride and respect is our priority. Champions Trophy will take place in our country only, we will not accept Hybrid Model. If India has any issues, they can come to us and we will sort them out," Naqvi told reporters outside Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium - one of the venues for the upcoming tournament.

"We stand firm on our stance that we will not go for a hybrid model. We're waiting for the ICC to announce the schedule as soon as possible.

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"The ICC needs to consider its credibility as it represents all cricket bodies globally. The schedule has been rescheduled, but we haven't received any cancellation notice," he added.

Both the countries do not play bilateral cricket due to political tensions. The two sides have only met in ICC events since 2012. Naqvi, however, opined that sports and politics should stay separate.

"I still believe that sports and politics should not interfere with each other, and I maintain a positive outlook," he said.

India had decided not to play in Pakistan during the Asia Cup 2023 last year as well and the tournament was played under hybrid model with India's games being scheduled in Sri Lanka.

Pakistan, however, travelled to India for the ODI World Cup 2023 immediately after the ODI WC and hoped for India to return the favour.

The Champions Trophy is scheduled to be played from February 19 to March 9 across three venues in Pakistan: Rawalpindi, Karachi and Lahore. The stadiums at these venues are currently undergoing a revamp ahead of the event.