Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali opened up about the ongoing India-Pakistan standoff regarding the much-awaited ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Basit Ali advocated for a hybrid model along with a unique solution for the Champions Trophy without any issues for India and Pakistan.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning to approach the ICC for clarification after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refused to send the Indian team to the neighboring country. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has rejected the idea of a hybrid model, where India will play matches outside of Pakistan.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Set to Take Place in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9
The Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9. However, the ICC is considering a hybrid model for the upcoming tournament. South Africa and the UAE can host the marquee event if Pakistan won’t agree to the hybrid model, according to the latest reports.
Bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan has been ended since 2012. The PCB had to host the Asia Cup 2023 in a hybrid model. India played all their matches, including the final, in Sri Lanka, while Pakistan hosted the remaining games. However, Pakistan later visited India for the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Hybrid Model Is To Be Maintained – Basit Ali
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Basit Ali said that if the ICC moves forward with a hybrid model, India and Pakistan should not be placed in the same group. Ali said that this is the only way the two teams can play in the tournament but added that broadcasters may not support this decision.
“If cricket is to continue and the hybrid model is to be maintained, place Pakistan in one pool and India in the other. But neither the ICC nor the broadcasters will be happy with this because this is an opportunity to make money,” Basit said.
Duniya Bewakoof Hai – Basit Ali
Basit Ali stated that the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry holds unmatched value in terms of viewership and revenue. He criticized the global cricket community for overhyping series like The Ashes or India-Australia matchups. Ali added that there won’t be money without India and Pakistan.
“The world is foolish (duniya bewakoof hai) to say that The Ashes is amazing or that the India-Australia series is amazing; it’s not like that. As long as cricket is being played and Pakistan-India matches are happening, there will be money; otherwise, there won’t be,” Basit remarked.
India hasn’t played an international match in Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup. The two teams have played against each other in ICC events and Asia Cups since their most recent bilateral series was in 2012/13. The Champions Trophy will be the first since 2017 when Pakistan defeated India in the final.
Also read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Tour Gets Horrific Backlash in Pakistan
