Basit Ali Warns PCB Against ICC's 'Lollipop' Deal for Champions Trophy 2025

The controversy over hosting the Champions Trophy seems to be over now, but former Pakistani batsman Basit Ali has made a big statement on his YouTube channel on this issue. He claimed that an agreement has already been reached between the ICC, BCCI and the broadcasters.

Consensus on hybrid model

According to reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has given conditional consent to the hybrid model for the 2025 Champions Trophy. The tournament will be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9. He said the model is also planned to be replicated in the 2026 T20 World Cup, which is to be held in India. The PCB has approved it with this condition.

ICC's 'Lollipop' offer

Basit said that the ICC is proposing to host the Women's World Cup in 2027 or 2028 to convince Pakistan. "The ICC is trying to show that Pakistan is getting two big tournaments. But the real motive is that the Pakistan men's team visits India for the 2026 World Cup and the Indian women's team also comes to Pakistan. This will not harm the broadcaster. ”

Questions on Asia Cup

Basit suggested that the PCB should have asked for the rights of the Asia Cup in lieu of the Champions Trophy. He said, "PCB should have taken advantage of 2-3 India-Pakistan matches in the Asia Cup. Even if it was in the hybrid model, it would have been more important. He also said that although the Asia Cup is the property of the Asian Cricket Council, the real decision maker is taken by the ICC.

Basit feels that it is like giving a 'lollipop' to the PCB on behalf of the ICC. He says that Pakistan cricket will not gain much from these promises. He advised the PCB to take stronger decisions.