There have been reports that the Champions Trophy next year will follow a hybrid model to accommodate India playing its matches outside the host nation, Pakistan; but former batsman Basit Ali has claimed that it’s 70% confirmed India will play their matches in Lahore, while adding that possibilities of a hybrid tournament are “still alive”.
Pakistan are the designated hosts of the tournament that will mark its return to the ICC calendar after seven years. It is scheduled to be played from February 19 to March 9, 2025.
To ease India’s participation, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has already offered to host all India’s matches in Lahore so that the team can visit and return home the same day via the Attari border near Amristar, which is close to Lahore. However, a PTI report on Thursday said that the PCB is ready to adopt the hybrid model with India possibly playing its matches in the UAE.
The Indian cricket team hasn’t visited Pakistan since 2008.
The 53-year-old Basit, however, called upon his country-mates in Lahore to be ready to host India.
“Lahore walo, India ki mehman-nawazi ke liye taiyar ho jao (Lahore, get ready to host India). Like the way they did in India, be big-hearted as hosts,” Basit said in a video on his YouTube channel. “It’s 70% confirmed, BCCI ki baat ho gayi hai (BCCI has had talks). It’s in the hands of the Prime Minister of India now, whether he says yes (to play in Lahore) or no, in which case a hybrid model will be adopted.
“But 70% confirmed that we will host India in Lahore,” he reiterated, and added: “On November 11, the schedule for the Champions Trophy will be announced.”
Basit also urged the Pakistan fans to be humble if they get the opportunity to host India and enjoy watching the Indian players they adore.
“Our public, who love Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, will see them from up close. If their players play well, do appreciate them. In case they don’t, do not misbehave. Respect your guests,” he said.