Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Najam Sethi has asked for a "written guarantee" from BCCI secretary Jay Shah about India's participation in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. This demand for a guarantee comes before Pakistan confirm their participation in the 50-over World Cup in India in October 2023.
As per a report by PTI, when Sethi travels to Dubai for important meetings with ACC and ICC officials on May 8, he is set to put forth a tough stand against the BCCI regarding the Asia Cup and Champions Trophy hosting rights. The PCB wants to leave no stone unturned and wants to host both competitions in Pakistan only. Hence Sethi is set to demand a "written guarantee" from India regarding the Champions Trophy before approving Pakistan's World Cup participation.
The PCB has been already pushed back on their stance after reportedly agreeing to a 'hybrid model' for the Asia Cup in Pakistan wherein India will play its games in a neighbouring country. But the ACC chief Jay Shah is yet to approve the hybrid arrangement.
"Sethi has recently met with some government officials and also obtained advice from them on whether Pakistan should play in the Asia Cup if it is not held in Lahore and Dubai as proposed by the PCB under its hybrid model plan to the ACC," PTI source stated.
Similarly, the report also adds Sethi has received approval from the Pakistan government to hold a strong stance with the ACC members about hosting the Asia Cup. "Sethi is expected to make it very clear to the ACC members that either they accept Pakistan’s hybrid proposal or the PCB will not take part in the competition this year if it is moved from Pakistan," the report added.
"Apparently, Sethi has now realized that it is time for some hard decisions and is not willing to accept any more delays from the ACC on finalization of venues and schedule for the Asia Cup," the source claimed, adding, "Sethi is clear now no Asia Cup matches in Pakistan, no Pakistan team in Asia Cup."