Basit Ali accuses ICC of manipulating other teams for India vs Pakistan fixtures in T20 World Cup 2024

India versus Pakistan cricket matches are highly anticipated, stirring huge excitement and passion among fans on both sides of the border. The on-border rivalry between the two nations creates an electric atmosphere in the stadiums when they meet at multi-nation events.

From packed stadiums to record-breaking viewership worldwide, the passion for India versus Pakistan games is just unmatched. Fans’ lauded cheers on every delivery, boundary, and wicket make India-Pakistan matches one of the most thrilling and emotionally charged games in the game.

As the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry remains one of the most intense and eagerly anticipated fixtures in the game, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has added fuel to the excitement surrounding the much-anticipated clash at the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024 with his surprising statement.

ICC eyes two India-Pakistan clashes in T20 World Cup 2024, claims Basit Ali

Ali claimed the possibility of not just one but two India-Pakistan matches during the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and West Indies, starting on June 1. Even he claimed that the ICC has strategically designed the schedule to facilitate another India vs Pakistan clash, potentially in the semi-finals or even the final, depending on the teams' performances.

The former Pakistani cricketer also said that the venue for another match between India and Pakistan would be revealed later, as they will face each other in the group match of the T20 World Cup 2024 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on June 9.

While the prospect of two high-stakes encounters between the arch-rivals has certainly caught the attention of cricket fans, Ali said that the Indian cricket team looks strong and in-form, but Pakistan's inconsistent form could shed water on the ICC's plans.

He also emphasized the importance of Pakistan's captain Babar Azam's opening for the team to boost their chances in the 20-team tournament. Pakistan will open its campaign against the USA on June 6 in Texas.

Basit Ali said on his YouTube channel: “The ICC wants India and Pakistan to have two matches in the World Cup. They have made the schedule so the two teams can meet again—either in the semi-final or final. The venue we will get to know in due course. Now, it all depends on performance. Pakistan is a bit low on their form, while India, on the other hand, has played IPL and looks in good shape. For Pakistan to perform well, Babar must open.”

Here's India’s squad for T20 World Cup 2024:

Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.

Reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan.

Pakistan squad for T20 World Cup 2024:

Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan.