‘We must ensure that there is not even small security breach’ – Basit Ali warns Pakistan of losing Champions Trophy 2025 rights

Basit Ali. (Photo by Rana Sajid Hussain/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Pakistan will host an ICC event after a hiatus of 18 years with Champions Trophy 2025 scheduled to commence in February 2025 in the neighbouring country. India has shown remorse for traveling over the border, citing security concerns owing to Pakistan’s association with extremist incidents over the years. With the packed cricketing schedule this year, former Pakistan batter, Basit Ali has warned the country of refraining from any security mishaps.

Before the marquee event, Bangladesh and England’s tour of Pakistan for two and three Tests will act as a litmus test for security issues in the country. For the unversed, the Sri Lanka team was attacked by terrorists in 2009 in Lahore. The incident led to the ICC removing Pakistan from hosting rights of the 2011 World Cup. Basit, shedding light on previous repercussions, urged for better security and avoid chances of losing Champions Trophy hosting rights.

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“Since the Champions Trophy is in Pakistan, and teams like England and West Indies are scheduled to tour after Bangladesh, we must pay attention to security. God forbid, the Champions Trophy won’t be played here if there is any incident in these tours. Our soldiers are getting martyred in Balochistan and Peshawar. Only the government can answer why it has been happening, but it’s wrong,” said Ali on his YouTube channel.

“We must ensure that there is not even a small security breach. The foreign teams should get the same security as our Prime Minister and President. I am sure, Mohsin Naqvi will be aware of these things,” he added.

Asia Cup 2023 opted for hybrid model after India refused to travel Pakistan

India and Pakistan have not played any bilateral series with each other since 2013 and India’s last tour to Pakistan came in 2008. The relations between the countries turned upside down after Pakistan was held responsible for the Mumbai terrorist attacks in 2008. The Asia Cup 2023 was to be held solely in Pakistan but after India’s reluctance to travel, it was conducted in a hybrid model with Sri Lanka hosting all of India’s games.