The rift between India and Pakistan over the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 looks all sorted as a report by India Today claimed that the International Cricket Council has given the ‘green flag’ for hosting the tournament under the ‘hybrid’ model. Under the ‘hybrid’ model the Indian team will be playing its matches in Dubai whereas the three cities in Pakistan will host the other matches of the marquee tournament. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) willn’t get any compensation fee for playing the competition under ‘hybrid’ model whereas Pakistan will be hosting a women’s tournament after year 2027.
Basit Ali Critisises PCB Over Accepting ‘Hybrid’ Model For Champions Trophy 2025
Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali raised his concerns over the PCB’s compromise for accepting the deal with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and called it a ‘lollipop’. Basit criticised PCB for accepting the offer and added that it won’t benefit Pakistan Cricket. He said on his YouTube channel, “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.”
“Do you know what a lollipop is? This is a lollipop the ICC is giving to the PCB…that 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”, he added.
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The International Cricket Council (ICC) is yet to release the schedule of the tournament and it is expected to begin from February 18 to March 5. While India willn’t play any upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan whereas Pakistan willn’t also travel to India for playing ICC T20 World Cup 2026 and will play its matches in Sri Lanka.