The ongoing standoff between India and Pakistan over the hosting of the 2025 Champions Trophy has prompted former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali to propose a unique solution. Ali suggests that the International Cricket Council (ICC) should place India and Pakistan in separate pools if it decides to adopt a hybrid model for the tournament.
According to Ali, this arrangement would alleviate logistical and diplomatic tensions by minimizing direct encounters between the two teams until the later stages of the competition. However, he acknowledges that neither the ICC nor broadcasters would likely support this idea, as India-Pakistan matches generate significant revenue.
“If cricket is to continue and the hybrid model is to be maintained, place Pakistan in one pool and India in the other,” Ali said on his YouTube channel. “But neither the ICC nor the broadcasters will be happy with this, because this is an opportunity to make money.”
Ali emphasized the financial importance of the India-Pakistan rivalry for global cricket. “The world is foolish (duniya bewakoof hai) to say that The Ashes is amazing or that the India-Australia series is amazing; it’s not like that,” he remarked. “As long as cricket is being played and Pakistan-India matches are happening, there will be money; otherwise, there won’t be.”
Amidst escalating tensions, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly preparing to formally approach the ICC, seeking clarification on the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) refusal to visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has reportedly rejected the hybrid model proposal, insisting on securing Pakistan’s hosting rights.
The Champions Trophy, scheduled for February 19 to March 9, 2025, is set to be held in Pakistan. If an agreement cannot be reached, the ICC may consider moving the tournament to an alternative location, with South Africa and the UAE emerging as potential hosts.
The ICC faces a difficult situation, as bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan has been suspended since 2012. In a similar instance, the 2023 Asia Cup adopted a hybrid model, with India’s games moved to Sri Lanka while Pakistan retained partial hosting rights.
