ICC Champions Trophy 2025: PCB Chief issues a stern warning to Team India

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi paid a visit to the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on Saturday (February 22) to meet with the national team ahead of their do-or-die ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash with India on Sunday (February 23).

The PCB boss’ visit was aimed at boosting the Pakistan National Cricket Team players’ morale and ensuring they had the necessary support for their high-voltage encounter against the India National Cricket Team at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on Sunday.

Mohsin Naqvi meets the Pakistan team, and boosts morale before the do-or-die game in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

During his interaction, Mohsin Naqvi spent time with the national players, motivating them and acknowledging their efforts despite their embarrassing 60-run loss to New Zealand in Karachi in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on February 19. He also engaged with the coaching staff, discussing the team's progress and strategies while assuring them of the full backing of the PCB.

The PCB chairman also addressed the media in Dubai, where he emphasized the importance of staying focused and maintaining a positive mindset, as they are in a tough spot to secure a place in the semifinals of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

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Our team is fully prepared: PCB chairman on India vs Pakistan match

Ahead of Pakistan’s much-anticipated clash against India, Mohsin Naqvi shared his confidence in the team’s preparation and performance. The PCB chief also stressed that the Pakistani players are in strong form and fully ready to take on the Men in Blue in Dubai.

He also made it clear that the players will always have the backing of the PBC irrespective of the India-Pakistan match result on Sunday. Mohsin Naqvi told media in Dubai as reported by ANI: “It will be a great game. Definitely, our team is fully prepared, and in my opinion, they are in good form. Let's see what happens next. But we stand with them, whether they win or lose.”

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'You should ask our Indian friends'

Meanwhile, Pakistan is the official host of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, but India’s matches are being held in the UAE due to political circumstances.

When asked about how he would have felt if the high-stakes India-Pakistan clash had taken place in Lahore instead of Dubai, the PCB chairman had a firm and strong response, suggesting the media ask the BCCI and Indian government.

Naqvi bluntly replied by saying. “You should ask our Indian friends.”

India-Pakistan Match holds immense significance

On the other hand, the high-pressure match on Sunday holds immense significance for both teams, with Pakistan fighting to keep its title defense alive while India looks to reach the semifinals by thrashing the Men in Blue in Dubai.

The match is also being viewed as a chance for India to take revenge for the 2017 Champions Trophy final from Pakistan. It remains the most unforgettable encounter between them in CT.

Notably, the Men in Blue have a great record in the T20 and ODI World Cups, but Pakistan holds a slight edge over India in the Champions Trophy, where they lead the head-to-head 3-2.