Top Pakistan official REJECTS VIP tickets for India vs Pakistan match worth Rs… due to diplomatic tensions

New Delhi: Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), made a noble decision on Monday by refusing the 30-seat VIP Hospitality Box at the Dubai International Stadium for the much-awaited Champions Trophy match between India and Pakistan. Instead, he decided to donate the proceeds to the PCB’s funds. It has been reported that he was offered a substantial amount of approximately 400,000 dirhams (equivalent to around INR 94 lakh) for the exclusive tickets.

A report from Pakistani media indicates that Naqvi was presented with the option of a VIP box in Dubai for himself, his family, and guests for the upcoming match between India and Pakistan on February 23. Nevertheless, he opted to sell the tickets, preferring to watch the game from the stands to fully immerse himself in the atmosphere and witness the support for the Pakistan team from the fans. He has already communicated his decision to the ICC and the Emirates Cricket Board.

The report stated that Naqvi plans to utilize the funds and additional ticket sales from the ICC to enhance the stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Pindi.

Reigning champions Pakistan will begin their campaign in the 2025 Champions Trophy by facing New Zealand on Wednesday at the National Stadium in Karachi. Meanwhile, India is set to play against Bangladesh in their first match on Thursday. A highly anticipated encounter between the two rivals is scheduled for Sunday in Dubai.

Pakistan has a slight advantage over India in their Champions Trophy matchups, winning three out of five encounters. One of these took place eight years ago in the final at the Oval, where India faced a significant defeat by 180 runs, allowing Pakistan to secure their first title. In all One Day Internationals (ODIs), Pakistan leads with a record of 73 wins to India’s 57. Conversely, India has dominated in multi-nation tournaments, holding an 18-8 record against Pakistan in this format. The last time India lost to Pakistan in an ODI was during the 2017 Champions Trophy final, but since then, India has won five consecutive matches, including a 117-run victory in Ahmedabad during the 2023 World Cup.