Champions Trophy host Pakistan skeptical of India's reluctance to play cricket games
PCB officials react to BCCI's reported request to move matches to neutral venue over security concerns
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials have expressed skepticism over reports that India's cricket board (BCCI) has requested to move Champions Trophy games out of Pakistan due to security concerns.
The Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place in Pakistan in September 2023, but the BCCI has reportedly asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) to move the matches to a neutral venue, citing concerns over the safety of the Indian team in Pakistan.
PCB officials have said that they have not received any official communication from the BCCI regarding the request to move the matches.
PCB chairman Najam Sethi said that he is confident that Pakistan can provide a safe and secure environment for the Champions Trophy.
"We have a proven track record of hosting major international cricket events without any security incidents," Sethi said.
"We are confident that we can provide a safe and secure environment for the Champions Trophy as well."
The PCB has also said that it is willing to work with the BCCI to address any security concerns that they may have.
"We are open to discussing any security concerns that the BCCI may have," Sethi said.
"We are confident that we can find a solution that will satisfy both parties."
The BCCI has not yet publicly commented on the reports that it has requested to move the Champions Trophy matches out of Pakistan.
However, the Indian board has a history of expressing security concerns about playing cricket in Pakistan.
In 2009, the BCCI canceled a scheduled tour of Pakistan after the terrorist attacks in Mumbai.
The two countries have not played a bilateral cricket series since 2012.
The Champions Trophy is one of the most prestigious cricket tournaments in the world, and it is scheduled to be held in Pakistan for the first time since 2008.
The tournament is expected to attract a large number of fans from around the world, and it would be a major blow to Pakistan if the matches were moved to a neutral venue.
