On his YouTube channel, Basit Ali criticized BCCI secretary Jay Shah for making it difficult for Pakistan to participate in future tournaments.
Well done, Jay Shah. You’ve complicated things for Pakistan. Here’s my advice: try to move the Asia Cup to another country. Jay Shah might change his mind after my show,” Ali said.
Ali suggested Pakistan might not go to India for the Asia Cup if BCCI doesn’t send its team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025. He claimed Jay Shah’s decision to host the Asia Cup in India was a tactic to promote a hybrid model for both events.
Jay Shah knew India would have to go to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, or Pakistan wouldn’t come for the Asia Cup. Pakistan might not even go for the T20 World Cup if India skips the Champions Trophy. Forget the hybrid model. There might also be a suggestion of India adopting a hybrid model for the Asia Cup so Pakistan does the same for the Champions Trophy,” Ali said.
Pakistan has strongly opposed moving any Champions Trophy 2025 games out of the country, but the BCCI hasn’t made an official statement about India’s travel plans to Pakistan.
The former cricketer also praised PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi, comparing him favorably to Jay Shah.
Jay Shah is smart, but the current PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, is equally capable. Now, you need to openly declare that the Asia Cup is in India, so we would have to go to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy,” he concluded.
Pakistan is set to host its first major tournament since the 2008 Asia Cup and is working hard to ensure its success. However, India’s hesitation to travel for the Champions Trophy 2025 is a significant challenge for the PCB.
