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Forme Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali criticised the PCB for accepting this deal, stating it offered no substantial benefit to Pakistan cricket
PCB sticks to ‘no hybrid model’ stance for ICC Champions Trophy. (Picture Credit: X/@TheRealPCB)
The question surrounding the conduct of the Champions Trophy 2025 remains, as the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the hosts, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), are yet to reach a resolution. According to several media reports, both bodies agreed on a hybrid model for the multi-nation tournament, allowing India to play its matches in Dubai instead of Pakistan. This decision, influenced by political tensions, has ignited debates about potential revenue loss for the PCB, as the marquee India-Pakistan clash, a significant revenue generator, will not occur on Pakistani soil.
Although an official announcement is pending, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has expressed concerns over the PCB’s potential acceptance of a reported deal with the ICC, deeming it a ‘lollipop’ that could ultimately harm Pakistan cricket.
Reports suggest that, as part of the deal, Pakistan will also not travel to India for their league-stage match in the 2026 T20 World Cup. Instead, the game will be played in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It is important to note that India and Sri Lanka are the joint hosts for the 2026 T20 World Cup. In exchange, the global body has reportedly promised Pakistan hosting rights for a Women’s ICC tournament after 2027.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ali criticised the PCB for entertaining this deal, asserting that it offered no substantial benefit to Pakistan cricket.
“Now it is being said that in 2027 or 2028, a women’s World Cup will be given to Pakistan. Everybody will say, ‘Waah ji waah! This is great, not one but two ICC events (in Pakistan)!’ But what’s the point of events like these? It’s being done so that in 2026, the Pakistan team will travel to India and the Indian women’s team will then come to Pakistan. The broadcasters won’t suffer any losses,” Basit said.
The former cricketer urged the board to instead push for hosting the men’s Asia Cup, emphasising the economic and cricketing significance of hosting high-profile men’s tournaments.
“Do you know what a lollipop is? This is a lollipop the ICC is giving to the PCB… if you agree to this, don’t ask for anything in writing and we will give you another ICC event. This won’t be of any benefit (to Pakistan). They should rather bid for the Asia Cup, which is next year. The PCB should ask for this. The PCB won’t benefit by hosting the Women’s World Cup or U-19 World Cup. If the PCB accepts this lollipop, they’ll be the losers.”
While the PCB has not officially confirmed the details, it has been reported that the board is under pressure to accept the hybrid model to ensure the Champions Trophy proceeds as planned. The ICC’s reported refusal to provide financial compensation for the revenue loss from the Indo-Pak matches has further amplified the controversy surrounding the deal.
