Basit Ali Blasts Compensatory ‘Lollipop’ Offer from ICC to PCB Amid Champions Trophy Hosting Controversy

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Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has expressed strong criticism of the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) reported acceptance of a compromise deal with the International Cricket Council (ICC) over the hosting rights for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Basit called the ICC's offer of hosting a Women's World Cup in 2027 or 2028 a "lollipop" designed to pressure Pakistan into agreeing to the hybrid model for the upcoming tournament.

"A Lollipop with No Real Benefit"

Basit Ali was particularly vocal about the ICC's approach, stating, "Do you know what a lollipop is? This is a lollipop the ICC is giving to the PCB... that if you agree to this, don't ask for anything in writing, and we will give you another ICC event."

He argued that hosting a Women's or U-19 World Cup offers minimal financial and cricketing benefits compared to marquee men's tournaments like the Asia Cup.

He further emphasized, "Everybody will say, 'Wow, 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 travels to India, and broadcasters don't suffer losses."

The Hybrid Model Debate

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, will reportedly be held under a hybrid model. While Pakistan is the official host, India's matches are expected to be played in Dubai due to political tensions.

Basit revealed that this compromise had been accepted by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, but only on the condition that the same model applies to the 2026 T20 World Cup in India.

As part of the deal, Pakistan will not travel to India for their group-stage match in the 2026 T20 World Cup; instead, the game will be played in Colombo, Sri Lanka. In exchange, the ICC has offered Pakistan hosting rights for a Women's World Cup after 2027.

Basit Raises Concerns Over Lost Revenue

Basit also raised concerns about the revenue implications of India's matches being shifted out of Pakistan, especially the high-profile India-Pakistan clash. He suggested that instead of agreeing to this deal, PCB should push for hosting rights to the Asia Cup, a tournament with significant commercial value.

The PCB has yet to confirm these developments officially, but the ICC's refusal to provide financial compensation for lost revenue has added further tension to the situation. Basit's remarks highlight growing dissatisfaction over Pakistan's handling of hosting rights and its long-term impact on cricket in the country.