PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi Takes a Firm Stand on India-Pakistan Cricket Relations

New Delhi: Tensions in India-Pakistan cricket relations have escalated to a new level as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi issued a strong statement regarding bilateral ties. Naqvi emphasized that Pakistan will no longer expect any unilateral gestures or conciliatory moves from India. Moving forward, the PCB’s approach will be guided strictly by equality and mutual respect.

End of Unilateral Initiatives
Breaking his silence on the BCCI’s policies and India’s reluctance to tour Pakistan, Naqvi made it clear that Pakistan will no longer favor one-sided initiatives that fail to elicit positive responses from the other side. He stressed that the era of unilateral overtures is over, signaling that if India continues to avoid visiting Pakistan, the PCB will reconsider its approach to all future bilateral engagements.

Cricket with Dignity and Respect
Naqvi stated, “If India shows no interest in handshake gestures or improving relations, Pakistan will not pursue them either. Pakistani cricket has its own dignity, and we will no longer compromise for any agreement.” He underlined that the future of cricket relations between the two nations must rest on the pillars of parity and respect.

Implications for International Cricket
The BCCI has repeatedly refused to play in Pakistan citing security concerns, leading to major tournaments like the Asia Cup and Champions Trophy being held under hybrid formats. Naqvi’s firm stance introduces new challenges for the International Cricket Council (ICC), signaling that the cricketing rivalry between these two Asian giants now extends beyond the boundary line—it is also a battle of self-respect and diplomatic parity.

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