Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has stated that the “time to beg India” for bilateral cricket matches is over, signalling a firm stance on the long-standing stalemate between the two countries.
Speaking at the launch of a club-level T20 tournament in Lahore, Naqvi responded to India’s recent refusal to play bilateral series while still participating in multinational tournaments. He said: “We have a clear stance. If India doesn’t play with us, we will also not play them. Cricket with India is now on equal terms. If they don’t tour us, we will not tour them. It is equal.”
Naqvi highlighted that the PCB has secured an arrangement with the International Cricket Council (ICC) allowing India and Pakistan to avoid touring each other in ICC events until 2027. This followed India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy due to political tensions.
He welcomed India’s participation in the Asia Cup, which begins in Dubai on 9 september. “India playing the Asia Cup shows they are not mixing politics with cricket. We hope the tournament is successful, and I believe other things will also improve,” he added.
The PCB chief urged fans and media to show restraint in their criticism of the national team. “After just one defeat, fans and media start lashing out, which hurts the players. Criticise where it’s due, but unnecessary criticism is unfair. I am confident our team will do well in the Asia Cup,” he said.
Naqvi strongly denied any role in the exclusion of former captains Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the squads for the upcoming tri-series and Asia Cup. “I never interfered in team selection. It is done by the selection committee, and I have full faith in them. They are highly professional and make decisions purely on merit,” he explained.
On the matter of ODI captaincy, he added: “Any change will also be decided by the selection committee. Our head coach has submitted his report on the ODI series, which is under consideration.”
Pakistan recently suffered a 2-1 series defeat in the West Indies, marking their first such loss to the Caribbean side in 34 years.