The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chairman, Richard Thompson, extended his best wishes to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for hosting the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy in 2025. This was during a meeting between PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Thompson, where the ongoing ambiguity surrounding the tournament was discussed. Thompson praised England’s recent tour of Pakistan and expressed his support for the upcoming event, saying, “England’s recent tour of Pakistan was very impressive. Our best wishes are with Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.”
In response, Naqvi reassured Thompson that Pakistan was ready to host the tournament, emphasizing that major stadiums were being renovated to meet the necessary standards. He also highlighted that participating teams would receive state guest protocol, with arrangements being made at every level to ensure the event’s success.
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This meeting comes amid a larger discussion regarding the participation of India in the tournament. The PCB had previously requested a written statement from the International Cricket Council (ICC) to clarify India’s stance on not traveling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. As per ICC regulations, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is required to provide a formal justification for its decision, which the ICC will review before making a final call.
The ICC has also faced criticism for its handling of the Champions Trophy announcement. Reports suggest that the ICC’s press release did not acknowledge Pakistan as the host nation, nor did it mention the PCB or any details about the tournament’s schedule, venues, or its passionate fans. The omission of these crucial details, along with changes to the tour route without proper consultation, has fueled discontent and raised questions about the ICC’s treatment of Pakistan as the host nation.
