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Former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali has launched a scathing attack on India’s reported reluctance to tour Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025. Ali claims the BCCI wields excessive power over the ICC, potentially influencing decisions on the tournament’s location.
Political Tensions Cast Shadow on Tournament
Strained political relations between India and Pakistan threaten India’s participation in the ICC event scheduled for next year in Pakistan. The BCCI is reportedly hesitant to send the team, potentially prompting a change of venue for India’s matches.
Basit Ali Questions BCCI’s Influence and PCB’s Approach
The 53-year-old Ali alleges that the BCCI’s financial clout sways other cricket boards. He claims these boards readily agree with the BCCI’s decisions due to the money their players earn in the IPL. Additionally, Ali questions the PCB’s strategy of being offered a bilateral series against India, despite the unlikelihood of the team touring Pakistan.
India-Pakistan Rivalry and Bilateral Cricket Series on Hold
The last bilateral series between India and Pakistan was held in India over a decade ago (2012-13). Political tensions have halted any further bilateral contests between the two cricketing giants.
Possible Shift in Champions Trophy Venue to Accommodate India
Given India’s potential absence from Pakistan, the Champions Trophy might be co-hosted by another nation like Sri Lanka or the UAE. The draft schedule currently places all of India’s matches in Lahore, but this is likely to change upon confirmation of their non-participation.
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