The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made a grave error by accepting to host the Champions Trophy 2025 in a hybrid model. This is what former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali feels. For the unaware, it’s been reported that the International Council of Cricket (ICC) told the PCB that they’ll be awarded a Women’s World Cup after 2027 and they won’t have to play the India vs Pakistan match in the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India.
ICC not thinking about PCB’s interest
Basit feels PCB made a mistake by accepting the offer without much deliberation. The ICC isn’t thinking about what is best for Pakistan and only cares about broadcasters; therefore, the PCB should have given extra thought regarding what they were signing up for.
“Everybody got to know that it is going to be a hybrid model, which was also agreed upon by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, but with the condition that the same model will be in force for the 2026 ICC event (T20 World Cup) in India. Now it is being said that in 2027 or 2028, the women’s World Cup hosting rights will be given to Pakistan… Everybody will feel ‘wow! Not one but two ICC events in Pakistan!’ But it’s being done so that in 2026 the Pakistan team goes to India, and the Indian women’s team will then come to Pakistan. The broadcaster won’t suffer any losses,” Basit said on his YouTube channel.
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Champions Trophy, “a lollipop the ICC is giving to the PCB”
He added the PCB has been duped by the ICC. Instead of taking the hosting rights of a Women’s World Cup, Basit says Pakistan should have asked for an Men’s Asia Cup. Considering it’s an Asian tournament, we’ll get to see at least two India vs Pakistan matches, which would help the PCB make more money even if the games are played in a neutral venue.
“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. They should have rather asked 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.”
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