Pakistan is keen to have a series against India at a neutral venue next year. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi will propose this to BCCI Chief Jay Shah in Colombo.


Due to political tensions, a bilateral cricket series between Pakistan and India hasn't been held for a long time. The Indian government has issued directives to its board in this regard. The traditional rivals only face each other during ICC or ACC events. Currently, there is a debate about whether the Indian team will come to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy next year. Initially, the Indian media gave positive indications, but recently, talks about the team not crossing the border have gained momentum. The ICC's annual conference is currently ongoing in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The meeting agenda includes a discussion on an additional budget for holding Champions Trophy matches in a country other than Pakistan. Last year, the Indian team refused to come to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, leading to their matches being held in Sri Lanka. However, PCB has made it clear this time that they won't accept the hybrid model and the entire event will be held on Pakistani grounds.

Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is currently in Colombo. According to sources, he will meet BCCI Chief Jay Shah on the sidelines of the meetings and will try to convince him to send the team to Pakistan. However, PCB is aware that this decision will be made by the Indian government, not 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 this with Jay Shah. The matches could be held during the free days after the Champions Trophy. It is worth noting that Australia and England have already invited Pakistan and India to play a series in their countries. However, Pakistan has not yet decided on the host. The plan will proceed only if Jay Shah gives a positive response. Mohsin Naqvi will also meet with senior officials of other cricket boards to discuss the arrangements and security for the Champions Trophy. According to sources, apart from India, no other country has expressed any reservations about touring Pakistan. The news regarding Afghanistan is incorrect. PCB hopes that all teams will come to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.

Meanwhile, PCB has purchased a plot adjacent to the tall building near the National Cricket Academy. Negotiations with several major hotel chains are ongoing for a five-star hotel project. One proposal is for PCB to build the hotel itself. This project will be completed in the next few years, after which teams won't need to stay in distant hotels, and road closures for security arrangements will also end. During matches, only the area adjacent to the Gaddafi Stadium will be closed.