Former Pakistani battalion accuses Jay Shah of controlling ICC

Former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali has sharply criticised India’s reported reluctance to visit Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy. Given the tense political relations between India and Pakistan, it is unlikely that the BCCI will send the Indian team to next year’s ICC event in Pakistan.

The 53-year-old alleged that the BCCI wields overwhelming influence over the ICC, with other countries effectively acting as puppets, following the orders of BCCI secretary Jay Shah. Basit further suggested that PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi be presented with a bilateral cricket series against India, despite the unlikely possibility of the Indian team travelling to Pakistan.

“The cricket boards of 5-6 countries are just saying yes to whatever Jay Shah decides. Meanwhile, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has been offered a concession as other boards have told him that Pakistan should play a bilateral series against India after the Champions Trophy – whether it is held in Australia or England, they will convince India to participate,” Ali said.

Basit revealed that the BCCI’s financial clout allows it to influence the decisions of other cricket governing bodies in its favour.

“The boards will agree to whatever the BCCI decides on the venue and format of the Champions Trophy because the BCCI pays them significant amounts of money when their players participate in the IPL, irrespective of whether they represent England, New Zealand, West Indies or Australia,” he added.

The last bilateral cricket series between India and Pakistan was played in 2012-13, with the matches being held in India. Since then, the two countries have not held bilateral series due to the ongoing political tensions between them. Given the strained relations, it is highly unlikely that India will travel to Pakistan for the major cricket event scheduled for next year.

Following India’s decision not to travel to its neighbour, the 2023 Asia Cup had to be co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The upcoming 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is also expected to have Sri Lanka or the UAE as co-hosts to accommodate India’s participation.

According to the draft schedule submitted to the ICC, Pakistan has scheduled all of India’s matches in Lahore. However, the schedule is expected to be revised once India officially announces its intention not to travel to the country.

Related