Former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali has called for the relocation of the Asia Cup 2025 from India, following India’s recent acquisition of the tournament’s hosting rights. In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Ali criticized Jay Shah, the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), accusing him of complicating Pakistan’s involvement in future cricket events.
“Well done, Jay Shah. You’ve killed two birds with one stone,” Ali remarked. “But Basit Ali kills three birds with one stone. Here’s some free advice: try to shift the Asia Cup to another country. Jay Shah might reconsider after watching my show.”
Ali suggested that Pakistan might refuse to travel to India for the Asia Cup if the BCCI does not send its team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025. He described Shah’s decision as a tactic to promote a hybrid model for both tournaments.
“Jay Shah knew that India would have to go to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy; otherwise, Pakistan won’t come for the Asia Cup. Pakistan won’t even participate in the T20 World Cup if India refuses the Champions Trophy. Forget the hybrid model. There might be another attempt to get India to accept a hybrid model for the Asia Cup so that Pakistan agrees to the same for the Champions Trophy,” Ali stated.
While Pakistan remains adamant about not relocating any Champions Trophy 2025 matches, the BCCI has not yet made an official announcement regarding India’s travel plans to Pakistan.
Ali also commended Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Mohsin Naqvi for his strategic acumen, comparing him favorably to Jay Shah.
“I agree Jay Shah is very sharp, but the current PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, is equally astute. 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,” Ali concluded.
As Pakistan gears up to host its first major tournament since the 2008 Asia Cup, it faces significant challenges, particularly India’s reluctance to travel for the Champions Trophy 2025.