LAHORE, Pakistan — On Friday, a senior official from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) refrained from validating reports suggesting that India has decided not to participate in matches hosted in Pakistan for the forthcoming Champions Trophy next year.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi addressed the media in Lahore, stating, “I believe that if any issues arise, they (India) should communicate with us officially.” He pledged to relay any such correspondence to both the media and the government promptly upon receipt.

Reports from Indian media indicated that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already expressed its concerns to all relevant Champions Trophy stakeholders, including the PCB. These concerns revolve around the tournament scheduled from February 19 to March 9, suggesting they may not play in Pakistan, which has historically been a rival for the Indian team.

According to The Times of India, Dubai has emerged as a strong contender for hosting matches involving the Indian team during the 50-over tournament. If this occurs, it would require the Pakistan team to travel to a neutral location for group matches against India, with a possibility of facing them again later in the tournament if both teams progress from their respective groups. The final match is slated for March 9 in Pakistan, although the specific venue remains undecided.

“Our position is unequivocal,” Naqvi asserted. “We expect any objections they have to be put in writing. No discussions about a hybrid model have taken place to date, nor are we inclined to accept one.”

Last year, Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup, but all matches involving India were played in Sri Lanka under a hybrid arrangement. Shortly thereafter, the Pakistan team did travel to India for the 50-over World Cup.

Since 2008, political tensions have halted bilateral cricket matches between India and Pakistan, limiting their competition to multi-nation tournaments, including the ICC World Cups.

“Cricket should remain separate from politics,” Naqvi emphasized. “No sport should intertwine with political affairs. Our preparations for the Champions Trophy are ongoing, and we are committed to making it a successful event.”

The PCB has already invested millions in upgrading stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, which are expected to host 15 matches during the Champions Trophy. Naqvi expressed optimism that these venues would be fully prepared within the next two months.

“Nearly every country wants the Champions Trophy to take place here in Pakistan,” Naqvi remarked. “This should not become a matter of politics, and I do not anticipate that it will. I firmly believe the tournament will occur at the official hosts’ venue.”

The tournament, expected to feature eight nations — Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and Afghanistan — still lacks a final schedule from the International Cricket Council (ICC). Naqvi noted, “Typically, the ICC announces the schedule for major tournaments about 100 days prior to the event, and I hope this will happen very soon.”