LAHORE, Pakistan – A senior Pakistan Cricket Board official on Friday refused to confirm media reports that India has decided not to play any matches at host Pakistan during next year’s Champions Trophy.

“My view is that if there is any problem, they (India) should tell us in writing,” PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi told reporters in Lahore. “I will share it with the media and the government as soon as I receive that letter.”

Indian media reported on Friday that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has conveyed its concerns to all Champions Trophy stakeholders, including the PCB, about the February 19-March 9 tournament and will not play in its archrival Pakistan.

The Times of India said “Dubai is a strong contender to host the Men in Blue matches” for the over-50s tournament.

Such a solution would see Pakistan have to travel to a neutral venue to play India in a pool match, with another match possible later in the tournament if both teams advance from their group. The final is scheduled for March 9 in Pakistan and the specific venue has not yet been decided.

“Our position is clear,” Naqvi said. “They need to communicate to us in writing any objections they may have. So far there has been no debate on the hybrid model, nor are we willing to accept it.”

Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup last year, but all of India’s matches were played in Sri Lanka under a hybrid model for the tournament. Just a few months later, Pakistan traveled to India for the 50-over World Cup.

Political tensions have halted bilateral cricket between the two nations since 2008 and they have only competed in multinational tournaments, including the ICC World Cups.

“Cricket should be free of politics,” Naqvi said. “No sport should be entangled with politics. “Our preparations for the Champions Trophy will continue unabated and this will be a successful event.”

The PCB has already spent millions of dollars upgrading stadiums in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi, which will host 15 Champions Trophy matches. Naqvi expected all three stadiums to be ready in the next two months.

“Almost all countries want the Champions Trophy to be played here (in Pakistan),” Naqvi said. “I don’t think anyone should make this a political issue, and I don’t expect them to. I hope the tournament is held at the home of the official hosts.”

Eight countries – Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and Afghanistan – will compete in the tournament, the schedule for which is yet to be announced by the International Cricket Council.

“Normally the ICC announces the schedule of any major tournament 100 days before the event and I hope they announce it very soon,” Naqvi said.