ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Ex-Pakistan Cricketer Claims India is 'Strong' Because of IPL

With uncertainty over the ICC Champions Trophy growing, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has made a stunning claim. Ali, who was reacting to PCB boss Mohsin Naqvi's presser, reckoned India is ‘strong’ as a nation because of the IPL . 

Reacting to that on his YouTube channel, Basit said: India (BCCI) ke paas power hai. IPL ki wajah se India boht strong ho chuka hai aur woh India ke against nahi jayenge (India has become very powerful because of the IPL and no team will go against them).

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‘All the countries (except India) have said yes’

"It's right that all the countries (except India) have said yes for the Champions Trophy; but they haven't said that they will refuse to accept a hybrid model."

"ICC is now worried what to do and what not. Delay tactics are being used and they are hoping that telephone calls (to India and Pakistan) lead to a solution...But whosoever has to a solution...But whosoever has to conduct this tournament has decided how it will be done -- whether India comes to Pakistan or not, or if it will be a hybrid model," he said.

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PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi addressed the press on Monday and made it clear that Pakistan is not going to agree to the ‘hybrid’ model.

‘We will remove them (India)’

"If India has any concerns about sending their team to Pakistan they must talk to us and we will remove them. I don't think there is any reason for India not to come to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy," PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi told reporters on Monday.

“Pakistan's respect is first and foremost. Rest, you will see what happens. Our stance is very clear; we have made it clear in the past,” Naqvi said.

"Every other team that has qualified for the Champions Trophy is ready to come. No one has any concern," he added.