Delhi: The dispute regarding hosting of Champions Trophy 2025 is now close to being resolved. But, former Pakistani batsman Basit Ali has said in a video on his YouTube channel that “an agreement has been reached between the ICC, BCCI and the broadcaster.”
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According to reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has given conditional consent to a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy. This tournament will be held in Pakistan from 19 February to 9 March.
Hybrid model will remain applicable in 2026 also
Basit said, “Now everyone knows that it will be a hybrid model. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has approved it, but has kept a condition that the same model will also be applicable for the T20 World Cup to be held in India in 2026.”
He also claimed that the ICC is trying to persuade Pakistan by offering to host the Women’s World Cup during 2027-28 so that the Pakistan men’s team tours India for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Basit said, “Now it is being said that the rights to host the Women’s World Cup in 2027 or 2028 will be given to Pakistan. People will think, ‘Wow! Not one but two ICC events in Pakistan! But, this is being done so that in 2026 the Pakistan team goes to India and then the Indian women’s team comes to Pakistan. This will not cause any loss to the broadcaster.”
‘ICC’s ‘lollipop’ is being given to PCB’
The former Pakistani batsman further said, “This is ICC’s ‘lollipop’ which is being given to PCB. They are saying you agree, don’t ask for anything in writing, and we will give you another ICC event. But, it will not be of any major benefit.”
Basit, 53, suggested that the PCB should have asked for Asia Cup rights, “The PCB should have asked for an Asia Cup, which has 2-3 India-Pakistan matches, even if it is in a hybrid model. I know they will say that it is the property of the Asian Cricket Council, but the real boss is the ICC.”