Everything with India Will Be on an Equal Footing,” Says Mohsin Naqvi

**Islamabad (Qudrat Daily):**
Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohsin Naqvi, has said that any engagement with India will be conducted on an equal footing, adding that if the Indian side does not wish to shake hands, Pakistan has no such desire either.

Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Mohsin Naqvi said that the conduct of the Indian Under-19 team would be taken up with the International Cricket Council (ICC), and that the PCB would formally write to the ICC regarding India’s behavior.

He announced that former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has been appointed as the brand ambassador of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Naqvi said the PCB is considering starting PSL on March 23 instead of March 26, and a final decision will be made in consultation with all franchises.

The PCB chairman further stated that the auction of Multan Sultans will be held after the conclusion of the PSL, while the franchise will be operated by the PCB itself this season. He added that 10 parties have qualified for bidding for two new PSL teams, and the bidding process for PSL franchises will take place on January 8 in Islamabad.

Mohsin Naqvi said that January is a crucial month for the PCB and expressed confidence that the teams would attract strong bids. He also noted that he would request the Minister for Information to ensure greater coverage of sports events on news channels.

Highlighting future plans, he said the goal is to make the cricket academy the best in the region and to further strengthen the Pakistan Shaheens team. He added that a decision regarding the red-ball coach is still pending, with the team continuing to work on the matter. Naqvi also mentioned that, so far, only three T20 internationals against Australia have been scheduled in the upcoming home series.