Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has slammed India’s reported reluctance to tour Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025. Given the tense political relations between India and Pakistan, it is unlikely that the BCCI will send an Indian team to an ICC event in Pakistan next year.
Basit, 53, alleged that the BCCI exerts enormous influence over the ICC, with other countries essentially acting as its puppets, following the orders of BCCI secretary-general Jay Shah. Basit also suggested that a bilateral cricket series with India has been proposed to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, despite the Indian team being unlikely to tour Pakistan.
“Five-six countries’ cricket boards are simply in favor of Jay Shah’s decision. Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board president Mohsin Naqvi has been offered a concession. Other boards have told him that Pakistan should play a bilateral series with India after the Champions Trophy. Whether it is held in Australia or England, they will convince India to take part,” Ali said.
Basit made it clear that the BCCI’s financial clout allows it to tilt the decisions of other cricket associations in its favour.
“The board will agree with the BCCI’s decision on the venue and format of the Champions Trophy as the BCCI pays a huge amount to players when they take part in the IPL, whether they are representing England, New Zealand, West Indies or Australia,” he added.
The last bilateral cricket series between India and Pakistan was played in 2012-13, with the matches held in India. Since then, no bilateral series has been held due to the ongoing political tensions between the two countries. Given the tense relations, it is highly unlikely that India will tour Pakistan for any major cricket events scheduled for next year.
With India deciding not to tour the neighbouring country, the 2023 Asia Cup will be co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Similarly, the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is also expected to be co-hosted by either Sri Lanka or the UAE, with India’s participation in mind.
According to the proposed schedule submitted to the ICC, Pakistan will host all India’s matches in Lahore, but the schedule is likely to be revised if India formally conveys that they do not wish to travel to Pakistan.
