Lahore: Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has clarified that any engagement or contest with India will be conducted strictly on an equal footing, with no room for unilateral concessions.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore, the PCB chairman said that if the Indian team avoids a handshake, Pakistan would also show no interest, emphasizing that mutual respect and equality are fundamental principles of the game.
Mohsin Naqvi said that the conduct of the Indian Under-19 team would be formally taken up with the International Cricket Council, and a letter is being sent to the ICC to seek action on the matter.
The PCB chairman also made several key announcements regarding the Pakistan Super League. He said that Wasim Akram has been appointed as the league’s brand ambassador, while a proposal is under consideration to start the PSL this year on March 23 instead of March 26, though a final decision will be made after consultations.
He said that after the conclusion of the PSL, the Multan Sultans franchise will be auctioned, and that the PCB itself will take over the operational responsibility of Multan Sultans this year to ensure smoother management.
According to Mohsin Naqvi, ten parties have already qualified for the addition of two new PSL teams, and the bidding process will take place in Islamabad on January 8.
He added that January is a crucial month for the PCB and expressed confidence that the teams will be sold at strong valuations, reflecting the league’s growing strength.
The PCB chairman further said that news channels would be requested to provide full coverage of cricket events. He stated that the goal is to make the Pakistan Cricket Academy the best in the region and to further strengthen the Pakistan Shaheens setup.
Mohsin Naqvi also said that the decision regarding the appointment of a red-ball team coach is still pending and that work on the matter is ongoing.
