Former Pakistan cricket star Basit Ali has proposed an intriguing alternative to the long-standing absence of bilateral cricket series between India and Pakistan. With political tensions continuing to overshadow cricketing ties, Basit suggests that if the BCCI and PCB can’t agree on a cricket series, they should explore competitions in other sports like hockey, javelin, or kabaddi.
In a recent YouTube interaction, Basit highlighted the global appeal of javelin throwers Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem, noting that their competitions attract massive television audiences. He proposed that a javelin series between the two athletes would generate even more excitement than the India-Australia cricket series. “When Neeraj and Arshad compete in javelin, the whole world will be in front of the television, and the stadium will be full,” Basit said.
He also suggested holding bilateral series in sports like hockey or kabaddi if cricket remains off the table. Basit emphasized the unmatched allure of an India-Pakistan encounter, arguing that such events would surpass other major series, including the Ashes.
This proposal comes amid ongoing discussions about the possibility of India traveling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025. The rivalry between the two nations in cricket has been a focal point of global attention, and Basit’s comments underline the deep desire for renewed sporting engagements between the two countries.