Basit Ali urges PCB to appoint Sarfaraz Ahmed as mentor for CT 2025

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to appoint former skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed as the team's mentor for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Sarfaraz, who led Pakistan to their maiden Champions Trophy title in 2017, was highlighted by Basit as the ideal candidate to guide the team.

The 54-year-old emphasized the former skipper’s experience, particularly in matches against India. 

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Basit said, “Afghanistan appointed Younis Khan as a mentor, which is a great choice. In Pakistan, it seems people, including the board, are asleep. Against India, you need someone who has won you the Champions Trophy before: Sarfaraz Ahmed.”

“In this match, Sarfaraz’s suggestions will be invaluable. He knows how to handle pressure and has already lifted the trophy against them. I wouldn’t recommend anyone else,” he said.

He also criticized the tournament's venue arrangements, suggesting that India could face challenges in Dubai, where all their matches are scheduled.

“Dubai has not been a lucky ground for India. If their matches were in Sri Lanka instead of Dubai, I might consider them as finalists. But Dubai has always posed problems for them,” he remarked.

It is pertinent to mention that the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to kick off on February 19, with Pakistan hosting the event alongside the UAE.

The tournament will feature eight teams competing across three venues: Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi in Pakistan, and Dubai in the UAE.

Defending champions Pakistan, led by wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan in his first ICC event as captain, will open the tournament against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi.

The much-anticipated clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and India is scheduled for February 23 in Dubai.

The eight participating teams are divided into two groups:

Group A: Pakistan, India, New Zealand and Bangladesh

Group B: Afghanistan, South Africa, England and Australia

Champions Trophy Schedule:

• 19 February, Pakistan v New Zealand, Karachi, Pakistan
• 20 February, Bangladesh v India, Dubai
• 21 February, Afghanistan v South Africa, Karachi, Pakistan
• 22 February, Australia v England, Lahore, Pakistan
• 23 February, Pakistan v India, Dubai
• 24 February, Bangladesh v New Zealand, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
• 25 February, Australia v South Africa, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
• 26 February, Afghanistan v England, Lahore, Pakistan
• 27 February, Pakistan v Bangladesh, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
• 28 February, Afghanistan v Australia, Lahore, Pakistan
• 1 March, South Africa v England, Karachi, Pakistan
• 2 March, New Zealand v India, Dubai
• 4 March, Semi-final 1, Dubai
• 5 March, Semi-final 2, Lahore, Pakistan
• 9 March, Final, Lahore (unless India qualify, when it will be played in Dubai)
• 10 March, Reserve day

*All matches will be day-night encounters