PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi Stands Firm: “That Time Has Passed”, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has made it clear that the days of pleading with India for cricketing ties are over. Addressing media in Lahore, Naqvi stated that the PCB will no longer beg the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to revive bilateral series, stressing that Pakistan’s cricketing dignity will not be compromised.
For decades, cricket fans across South Asia have been deprived of regular Pakistan-India bilateral series, which once stood as the most anticipated contests in world cricket. However, political tensions and strained diplomatic relations between the two nations have kept the bilateral calendar empty since 2012, with only ICC and ACC tournaments providing the rare face-offs between the two rivals.
“Respect Matters More Than Cricket”
Naqvi, in a bold statement, said:
“That time has passed when we would beg India to play cricket with us. Pakistan cricket has moved forward. We want to play with dignity, not at the cost of our self-respect.”
This stance signals a shift in Pakistan’s cricket diplomacy. The PCB chairman emphasized that while cricketing ties with India have massive financial and emotional value, Pakistan will not compromise its self-respect for the sake of a series.
The State of Pakistan-India Cricket Relations
The last full bilateral series between Pakistan and India was held in 2012-13, when Pakistan toured India for a short ODI and T20 series. Since then, bilateral relations have remained frozen, primarily due to political tensions.
Despite the absence of regular series, matches between the two sides in tournaments like the ICC Cricket World Cup and the Asia Cup continue to generate record-breaking viewership, reaffirming that India vs Pakistan remains cricket’s biggest rivalry.
However, the BCCI has consistently refused to engage in bilateral cricket with Pakistan, citing political directives.
Pakistan’s Growing Cricketing Strength
Under Naqvi’s leadership, the PCB is focusing on strengthening domestic cricket and expanding international ties with other boards. The PCB has hosted full tours by top cricketing nations in recent years, including Australia, England, and New Zealand, proving Pakistan’s ability to host world-class events safely.
Naqvi highlighted that Pakistan is no longer dependent on India to validate its cricketing stature. Instead, the board is working towards fostering stronger partnerships with other nations and ensuring Pakistan continues to thrive on the international stage.
For cricket lovers, this signals that while Pakistan vs India remains a dream contest, Pakistan’s cricketing growth and recognition are not defined by India’s participation.
A Message to the Fans
While fans on both sides of the border long for a full series, Naqvi’s statement makes it clear that Pakistan is ready to move forward without India’s cooperation. This shift could reshape the way Pakistan is perceived in global cricket politics, portraying it as a board that values respect and independence over compromise.
The upcoming ICC tournaments will still feature Pakistan vs India clashes, keeping the rivalry alive on neutral grounds. Yet, whether the two cricketing giants will ever play a bilateral series again remains uncertain.
Final Thoughts
Mohsin Naqvi’s bold declaration is not just a message to India but also to the global cricketing community. It highlights that Pakistan will play on its own terms, focusing on respect, dignity, and strengthening ties with nations willing to engage fairly.
For now, fans must look to World Cups and Asia Cups for the thrill of the Pakistan-India rivalry, as the PCB makes it clear: no more begging.
