There have been rumors that the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be played in a hybrid model due to India's hesitation to travel to Pakistan next year. However, former Pakistan batsman Basit Ali said that it’s 70% confirmed that the India national cricket team will travel to Pakistan for the tournament.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to return to the ICC calendar after seven years. Pakistan is likely to host the Champions Trophy from February 19 to March 9. A PTI report on Thursday said that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) might agree to the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) request for a hybrid model.

The Men in Blue could play their matches in the UAE. India last visited Pakistan for the Asia Cup in 2008. However, Pakistan visited India for the 2016 T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup. Notably, Pakistan had to host the Asia Cup 2023 in a hybrid model with Sri Lanka as the co-host for the event.

It's 70% Confirmed, BCCI Ki Baat Ho Gayi Hai - Basit Ali

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Basit Ali encouraged people in Lahore to prepare to welcome India. He said that there's a 70% chance that India will play its Champions Trophy matches in Lahore. Basit added that the approval is pending from the Indian Prime Minister.

"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 Ali said.

"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. On November 11, the schedule for the Champions Trophy will be announced," he added

Our Public Will See Them From Up Close - Basit Ali

Basit Ali emphasized that Pakistan fans should appreciate Indian players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah if they perform well and remain respectful even if they don't.

"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," Basit said.