Pakistan to maintain ties with India on equal footing: PCB chief

We won't beg India for talks, the days of pleading are over, says Naqvi

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday made it clear that Pakistan will maintain sporting ties with India on equal terms, saying the days of “imploring for talks” are over.

India’s sports ministry recently announced a policy cutting off bilateral ties with Pakistan in all sports, even at neutral venues. However, it remained silent on multilateral tournaments, leaving cricket fans anticipating a high-voltage Pakistan-India clash in the upcoming Asia Cup.

Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Naqvi said Pakistan would not plead with India for dialogue, stressing that any future engagement must be based on equality.

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He expressed hope that the national team would perform well in the Asia Cup, adding that new talent was being brought in to strengthen the side. “I have no involvement in adding or removing anyone from the team, nor do I have any role in the selection committee,” he clarified.

Naqvi further said the advisory committee and the selection committee were fully authorized to make decisions, including the appointment of the ODI captain.

India froze all bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan following the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which New Delhi blamed on Pakistan-based militants.

Since then, cricket has borne the brunt of the diplomatic fallout, with the two sides only meeting in multinational tournaments at neutral venues. The last Test series between the arch-rivals was played in 2007.

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Earlier this year, India declined to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy, prompting organisers to shift the final — which included India — to Dubai.

In a reciprocal move, Pakistan has now decided not to send its women’s cricket team to India for the upcoming 50-over World Cup later this year, as well as the 2026 T20 World Cup. Pakistan will instead play its matches in Sri Lanka, officials confirmed.

While other sports have seen limited engagement, Pakistan's hockey team toured India for the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy, where they finished fifth out of six teams.