Courtesy: Google
Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali in his statement cautioned the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that they would lose out upon agreeing to a rumoured compromise arrangement with the International Cricket Council (ICC), describing the offer to host the Women's World Cup in 2027 as a 'lollipop' from the global organisation. Basit's comments came followed ongoing conversations between the PCB and the ICC to resolve the impasse over the conduct of the forthcoming Champions Trophy in 2025, which was sparked by the BCCI's refusal to send the Indian team to Pakistan due to security concerns.
The ICC and PCB have reportedly agreed on a hybrid arrangement for the 2025 Champions Trophy, which will allow India to play its matches in Dubai rather than Pakistan. Similarly, Pakistan will also not visit India for their matches in the 2026 T20 World Cup. Instead, the match will be held in Colombo. This decision, driven by political tensions, has sparked debates over revenue loss for the PCB, as the India-Pakistan clash, which is considered as a major revenue generator, will not take place on the Pakistani soil.
This is a lollipop the ICC is giving to the PCB: Basit Ali
In a video posted on his YouTube account, Ali openly criticised the PCB for accepting the purported arrangement, claiming it provided no significant value to Pakistan cricket. He asked the board to focus on hosting the men's Asia Cup instead, underlining the economic and cricketing importance of holding high-profile men's competitions.
“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,” Basit said.
“Do you know what a lollipop is? This is a lollipop the ICC is giving to the PCB. 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,” he further said.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 hybrid model debate is set to resolve
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has opposed the hybrid model, but top insiders say the board is under pressure to accept the recommended manner to guarantee the Champions Trophy runs smoothly. The situation is expected to be resolved in the next few days, as the ICC board will hold a virtual meeting with new chairman Jay Shah on Saturday.
