LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday dismissed the possibility of unilateral efforts to revive sporting ties with India, making it clear that any future engagement would only proceed on equal terms.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Naqvi stressed that Pakistan would not “beg” for dialogue. “We are very clear that whenever talks are held, they will be on an equal footing with India. The time of pleading for negotiations is over. Any engagement now will be based on equality,” he remarked.
Bilateral sports relations between the two countries remain frozen and suffered a fresh setback this week after India’s sports ministry issued a policy formally ending bilateral competitions with Pakistan, even at neutral venues. However, the policy allows participation in multilateral events, meaning next month’s Asia Cup clash between the two rivals will go ahead as planned.
On Pakistan cricket’s recent poor performances, Naqvi said he was confident the team would bounce back. He highlighted that an independent selection committee and advisory panel were reviewing players on merit. “I have no role in dropping Babar Azam or Mohammad Rizwan. Not even one per cent of the selection is influenced by me,” he clarified.
The PCB chairman also announced the creation of a dedicated cell to facilitate visas for sports journalists covering the Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates. “Whoever requires a visa will be provided one,” he assured.
Naqvi urged fans to back the national side and avoid “unnecessary criticism” that demotivates players during tournaments. He further expressed optimism about strengthening the women’s squad, noting that measures were underway to improve its performance.
