It's A Lollipop! Ex-Pakistan Cricketer Warns PCB, Says ICC's Champions Trophy Deal Might Be False

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali voiced concerns about the Pakistan Cricket (PCB) potentially accepting a compromise with the International Cricket Council (ICC). He referred to it as a "lollipop" deal that could harm Pakistan cricket. Discussions are ongoing regarding hosting rights and financial compensation for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and the 2026 T20 World Cup.

The ICC and PCB have reportedly agreed on a hybrid model for the 2025 Champions Trophy. This arrangement allows India to play its matches in Dubai instead of Pakistan due to political tensions. This decision has sparked debates over potential revenue loss for the PCB, as the highly anticipated India-Pakistan match will not occur on Pakistani soil.

Hybrid Model Concerns

As part of this compromise, Pakistan will not travel to India for their league-stage match in the 2026 T20 World Cup. Instead, this game will be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Notably, India and Sri Lanka are co-hosts for this tournament. In return, the ICC has promised Pakistan hosting rights for the Women's World Cup after 2027.

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Basit Ali criticised the PCB's acceptance of this deal. He argued that it offers no substantial benefit to Pakistan cricket. He urged the board to push for hosting the men's Asia Cup instead, highlighting its economic and cricketing significance.

Future Implications

"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 on his YouTube channel.

"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. This won't be of any benefit (to Pakistan). They should rather bid for the Asia Cup, which is next year. The PCB should ask for this. The PCB won't benefit by hosting the Women's World Cup or U-19 World Cup. If the PCB accepts this lollipop, they'll be the losers."

Financial Concerns

Basit also pointed out how such arrangements could set a precedent for future compromises. These might include reciprocal visits between India and Pakistan's men's teams for tournaments to ensure broadcasters do not face revenue losses.

The PCB has yet to officially confirm these details. However, sources indicate that there is pressure on them to accept this hybrid model to ensure smooth proceedings for the Champions Trophy. The ICC's refusal to compensate financially for revenue loss from Indo-Pak matches adds further contention.

The ongoing discussions highlight significant challenges faced by cricket boards amid political tensions and financial considerations. As decisions unfold, stakeholders await clarity on how these arrangements impact future tournaments and bilateral relations.