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Pakistan aim for T20I series with India on neutral ground

Pakistan aim for T20I series with India on neutral ground

PCB insists Champions Trophy to be held in Pakistan as chairman Naqvi tries to convince BCCI amid ongoing security talks

Due to ongoing political tensions, Pakistan and India have not held bilateral cricket matches since 2012. The Indian government has instructed its cricket board to restrict matches with Pakistan to ICC or ACC events.

There is currently a debate going on whether the Indian team will travel to Pakistan for next year’s Champions Trophy. Initially, the Indian media hinted positively, but recently discussions have intensified about the team not crossing the border.

The annual congress of the ICC is currently taking place in Colombo, Sri Lanka. One of the items on the agenda is the possible relocation of the Champions Trophy matches to another country, albeit with a larger budget.

Last year, the Indian team refused to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, resulting in their matches being held in Sri Lanka. This time, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has stated categorically that the hybrid model is unacceptable and is insisting that the entire event must take place in Pakistan.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is in Colombo where he is expected to meet Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Chief Jay Shah to convince him to send the Indian team to Pakistan. However, the PCB acknowledges that the final decision will be taken by the Indian government, not the BCCI.

Sources indicate that before leaving for Sri Lanka, senior PCB officials agreed to invite India for a T20 series at a neutral venue next year. Mohsin Naqvi will discuss the proposal with Jay Shah, with matches possibly scheduled during both teams’ off days after the Champions Trophy.

It is worth noting that Australia and England have invited Pakistan and India to play a series in their countries, but Pakistan has not decided on the host yet. The plan will go ahead only if Jay Shah responds positively.

Naqvi will also meet senior officials from other cricket boards to discuss arrangements and security for the Champions Trophy. Apart from India, no other country has expressed reservations about touring Pakistan, and the PCB remains optimistic that all teams will participate. Rumours about Afghanistan’s hesitation have proven false.

In addition, the PCB has purchased an adjacent plot of land to the National Cricket Academy to build a five-star hotel. Discussions with major hotel chains are ongoing, with one proposal for the PCB to build the hotel itself.

The project, which is due to be completed in the coming years, aims to eliminate the need for teams to stay in remote hotels, thereby ending road closures for safety reasons. Only the area adjacent to the Gaddafi Stadium will be closed during matches.