PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi Takes Firm Stance on India Pakistan Cricket Relations

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has made it clear that Pakistan will no longer plead with India to resume bilateral cricket series. In a press conference held in Lahore, Naqvi emphasized that any future talks between the two boards must be conducted on equal terms.

“I think we are very clear that whenever talks are held will be on an equal footing with India and there will be no more begging for negotiations. That time has passed and whatever will happen will be on the basis of equality,” Naqvi stated.

This firm stance comes amid ongoing political and diplomatic tensions that have halted bilateral cricket between the two nations since 2012. Since then, India and Pakistan have only faced each other in multi-nation tournaments such as the World Cup, Asia Cup, and Champions Trophy, all held at neutral venues.

The Indian government recently formalized this position. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports declared that India will not participate in any bilateral sports events with Pakistan, whether home or away. However, it clarified that both Indian and Pakistani teams may compete against each other in international multilateral events, in accordance with the policies of global sports bodies.

The conflict has also affected hosting rights for international tournaments. Pakistan was originally scheduled to host the 2025 Asia Cup, but the matches were moved to the  UAE after India refused to travel. A similar “hybrid model” was applied during the ICC Champions Trophy, where India’s games were relocated to Dubai.

Naqvi’s comments extend beyond cricket, he also addressed recent struggles within the Pakistani men’s team and called for public support ahead of the high voltage Asia Cup clash against India on September 14 in Dubai.

On team selection, which saw the exclusion of prominent players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, Naqvi clarified, “I do not even have a one per cent role in the team selection.” He explained that decisions were made by a dedicated selection committee and advisory panel based on merit.

He also assured that visa arrangements for sports journalists covering the Asia Cup in the UAE are being handled through a special cell set up by the PCB.

While bilateral cricket remains frozen, fans can still look forward to seeing India and Pakistan compete on the global stage. The two teams are scheduled to meet in the group stage of the Asia Cup next month, with potential follow-up matches in the Super Four and final.