PCB Chief Naqvi In Talks With Government Officials After India's Refusal To Travel

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday initiated talks with senior government officials to discuss future course of action after ICC conveyed to PCB about India’s unwillingness to tour country for next year’s Champions Trophy .

PCB confirmed that it received an e-mail from ICC regarding India’s reluctance to travel to Pakistan for marquee tournament, even as Naqvi h earlier turned down a 'Hybrid Model'.

“Mohsin Naqvi, who is federal interior minister, is in touch with government officials and wait is w on what directives Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif gives,” a PCB official said.

official expressed his disappointment over India’s stand despite Pakistan promising full-scale security for visitors during ICC showpiece.

“It’s unacceptable as re is logical reason for India to again refuse to send its team to Pakistan.

“Preparations for event are on schedule and we have alrey assured ICC of all best security arrangements for all teams including India,” official said.

official conceded that Pakistan will suffer financial losses if a strong stance is taken on boycotting all matches against India but he ded that y are prepared for such a situation.

Meanwhile, speculations have been rife in Pakistan that country’s government is likely to direct PCB to stop playing India in any ICC or or multi-team events starting with Champions Trophy until Indian government changes its policy.

It has also been reported that Pakistan might take up matter of India mixing politics with sports with International Olympic Committee (IOC) if y decide to boycott all potential encounters with neighbours in any sport in future.

Pak stalwarts dismayed  

Pakistan’s cricket community also reacted with anger to India’s decision as former Test captain Rashid Latif insisted that PCB has to make a strong statement.

“Eugh is eugh. When all teams are playing in Pakistan without any problem, this decision by India is purely political and that should be unacceptable in all sports including cricket,” Latif said.

Former Test captain Javed Miand called for a boycott of matches with India.

“It is a joke that this is happening. Even if we don’t play India at all, Pakistan cricket will t only survive but prosper as well as we have shown in past,” he said.

"I would like to see how ICC events earn money when re are Pakistan and India matches,” Miand ded.

Former Test captain Inzamam ul Haq also expressed his disappointment.

“y are depriving cricket of such a big occasion. re is threat to Indian team in Pakistan. In fact, y would get best hospitality here,” he said.

India has t sent its cricket team to Pakistan since 2008 Asia Cup .

However, Pakistan has travelled to India for a bilateral white-ball series in 2012-13, T20 World Cup in 2016 and last year for 50-over World Cup.

Former Test batsman Mohsin Khan said politics should never be mixed with sports.

“I mean does Indian government really believe re is any threat to ir team in Pakistan. But I would vise on remaining calm before making any decision,” he ted.