Naqvi seeks fairness in cricketing world

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has underscored the importance of a balanced and respectful resolution to ongoing disputes, emphasizing the need for fairness in the cricketing world.

Speaking to the media at Dubai Sports City Stadium following Pakistan’s commanding victory over India in the Junior Asia Cup, Naqvi highlighted PCB’s commitment to ensuring a “win-win situation” for all stakeholders.

Naqvi made it clear that PCB is striving for a settlement that upholds the dignity of the game and its stakeholders. “We are seeking a win-win situation in a respectable way. While there are multiple options on the table, discussing them prematurely would be unwise. Going forward, there will be no one-sided adjustments,” he asserted.

Rejecting the idea of a one-sided hybrid model, Naqvi firmly stated, “The future formula must be based on equality, not on India-centric approaches of the past.”

Acknowledging the challenges, Naqvi revealed that PCB has aggressive alternatives but refrains from deploying them for the broader good of cricket. “Our priority is the promotion and integrity of the game. While we can act assertively, we believe such actions won’t serve cricket in the long term,” he explained.

Efforts to mediate and restore harmony are underway, Naqvi confirmed. “Well-wishers are working to mediate a fair resolution. Respect among member countries is paramount. The ICC cannot afford to make unilateral decisions, and I assure you the outcome will uphold equality and mutual respect.”

Naqvi expressed optimism about achieving a lasting solution to the Pakistan-India cricket standoff. “We are working towards a permanent, long-term agreement. Any resolution must serve the interests of all stakeholders in the years to come.”

Well-placed sources told The News that a few key points of contention raised by the PCB during talks with ICC and BCCI. The PCB has raised concerns about the exclusion of Pakistani players from the IPL despite their participation in earlier editions.

Pakistan also demanded a larger share of ICC profits, which currently allocate just over 5% to Pakistan compared to India’s 35%. “Pakistan’s cricket team significantly contributes to TV rights and gate revenues, and the PCB deserves a financial deal that reflects this value,” a PCB source stated.

The PCB also seeks equitable distribution of ICC tournaments, criticizing the ICC’s reluctance to award major events to Pakistan.

Unlike global sports organizations like FIFA and ITF, the ICC struggles to act independently. Its decisions must be based on principles, not external pressures.

As the cricketing world watches closely, Mohsin Naqvi’s stance reflects PCB’s determination to champion fairness and respect, ensuring the game thrives globally while upholding the interests of all member nations.

Meanwhile, sources said that a new formula to end deadlock under consideration. A new formula will have to be fixed on the basis of parity to settle the matter. “Pakistan wants the new formula to be fixed for at least three years,” sources say. The new formula will not be applicable only to the extent of the Champions Trophy, they said. They said that the formula will be in place for all ICC events for the next three years.