Former cricket player Basit Ali talked about India’s bid to compete in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and recommended that the PCB use a similar approach to Sri Lanka’s World Cup 1996 strategy.

Although it is unclear if India would compete in the tournament, the ninth Champions Trophy is set to take place in Pakistan during the February–March timeframe in 2025.

The Indian media had reported that Team India will not be traveling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy due to security concerns, citing a source from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Furthermore, sources verified on Sunday that the PCB was notified by the International Cricket Council (ICC) that the Indian government has prohibited its cricket team from traveling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.

Basit Ali was among the numerous Pakistani players who were upset to hear of India’s rejection. The former batsman said in a video posted on his own YouTube account that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) take a cue from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

For those who are not familiar, Sri Lanka won the World Cup 1996, which was co-hosted by Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka.

But because Australia and the West Indies declined to visit Sri Lanka due to security concerns, the competition was marred with controversy like to that of the Champions Trophy 2025.

While Sri Lanka promised complete security for the squad, Australia and the West Indies stuck to their guns.

Due to a firm stand on both sides, Sri Lanka was given games against Australia and the West Indies on forfeit by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Sri Lanka advanced to the quarterfinals without having to play a match after earning four crucial points.

In a similar vein, Basit Ali asked the PCB to avoid playing India at a neutral location. Additionally, he recommended that Pakistan quit the event if the ICC were to fully change it.

The former batter said, “If India declines to play in Pakistan under a hybrid model, like the 1996 World Cup scenario, PCB should demand points.” “Pakistan ought to receive two points if India chooses not to participate.”

In the event of a hybrid approach, Pakistan, as the host, ought to conduct all of its matches domestically. Additionally, Pakistan ought to decline to take part if the host location changes.

Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, conveyed his sincere congratulations to the national men’s cricket team for their historic ODI series triumph against Australia.

Pakistan, led by newly-appointed captain Mohammad Rizwan, triumphed against Australia in the third ODI in Perth, securing victory by eight wickets and clinching their first series in Australia since 2002.

The visitors lost the initial match of the three-match series by two wickets; however, they executed a remarkable comeback to secure the series 2-1.

Subsequent to the victory, Shehbaz Sharif utilized his official X (previously Twitter) account to commend the national cricket team for their commanding performance.

“Significant Day for Pakistani Cricket.” Congratulations to the Pakistan cricket team on their momentous ODI series triumph over Australia. The Prime Minister declared, “After 22 years, Pakistan has convincingly defeated Australia on their home turf.”

He commended the leadership of Mohsin Naqvi, the head of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

This triumph resulted from the solidarity and collaboration of their exceptional players, alongside the efforts of the coaching staff and the PCB under the competent leadership of Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. He expressed, “May this mark the commencement of a remarkable and illustrious era for Pakistani Cricket.”

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and chose to field first in the pivotal second ODI against Australia at Adelaide Oval. The visitors confront a critical must-win scenario after being behind 0-1 in the three-match series.

Pakistan: (2 overs, 50 balls, Target: 164) 10 divided by 0

Australia: (35 overs, 50 overs) 163 runs

Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed Adam Zampa, culminating in a significant triumph for Pakistan by reducing Australia to their lowest-ever ODI total against them. Afridi’s last delivery dismissed Zampa for 18 runs, concluding Australia’s innings at 161 in 34.6 overs.
Pakistan’s fast bowlers excelled, with Haris Rauf taking four wickets, while Naseem Shah and Afridi each secured two. Zampa, after exhibiting resilience with two boundaries and a six, succumbed to Afridi’s precise bowling. Naseem’s intense bowling performance featured a series of near misses, including a missed catch by wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, which almost established a world record for the most dismissals by a keeper in an ODI.

Pakistan’s unyielding pace attack constrained Australia, resulting in a record low score and a momentous victory for Pakistan in Adelaide.

The pace attack of Pakistan, spearheaded by Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, disassembled Australia’s batting order in a commanding performance at Adelaide. Rauf excelled, taking four wickets for only 27 runs in six overs, while Naseem offered vital assistance by removing Mitchell Starc for his inaugural wicket of the match.

By the 29th over, Australia had deteriorated to 131/8, as Pakistani bowlers adeptly capitalized on the conditions with precision and energy. As wickets fell consistently, highlighted by five catches from Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan’s bowlers maintained intense pressure, causing Australia to struggle to endure till the conclusion of the innings.

The Pakistan squad retains their prior lineup, demonstrating faith in the team after their initial defeat. Australia enhances their bowling lineup by substituting seasoned bowler Josh Hazlewood for Sean Abbott.

The Australian batting lineup will depend on the powerful opening duo of Matthew Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk, succeeded by the robust middle order including Steven Smith and Glenn Maxwell. Pat Cummins directs the home team’s bowling contingent, aided by Mitchell Starc and spin expert Adam Zampa.