Basit Ali says, PCB tricked by ICC into accepting Champions Trophy hybrid model
Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for agreeing to host the 2025 Champions Trophy under a hybrid model, which he believes was a hasty decision. Reports indicate that the International Cricket Council (ICC) assured PCB that they would receive hosting rights for a Women’s World Cup after 2027 and that Pakistan would not face India in the T20 World Cup 2026 in India.
Basit argues that the PCB should have been more cautious, as the ICC’s focus seems to be on satisfying broadcasters rather than prioritizing Pakistan’s interests. He stated that while the hybrid model was accepted by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, it would also apply to the 2026 T20 World Cup, where matches involving India and Pakistan will be played in Dubai.
He described this arrangement as a “lollipop” offered to the PCB, suggesting they should have instead negotiated for hosting rights to the Men’s Asia Cup, which would guarantee at least two high-stakes matches against India, thus generating more revenue. Basit believes that accepting the ICC’s terms without securing tangible benefits will ultimately leave the PCB at a disadvantage, as hosting women’s or U-19 events may not yield significant financial returns.