The ICC Champions Trophy will be held for the first time in eight years with Pakistan playing host next year. It will be the first major ICC tournament to be held in the country since they co-hosted the 1996 ODI World Cup.
However, there’s still uncertainty over whether the competition will be completely held in Pakistan with various reports claiming BCCI may not send its team across the border citing denial of permission from the Indian government.
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Due to the tense diplomatic relations, the bilateral cricket ties have been suspended between India and Pakistan for a long time now.
Additionally, India and Pakistan only play each other in either ICC or continental events. As per reports, there’s a possibility that the 2025 Champions Trophy could be held on the lines of Asia Cup last year.
Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali though has pointed out another major challenge in the country keeping hosting rights for the tournament.
Bangladesh, England and West Indies are scheduled to tour Pakistan in the next five months and Basit feels that the visiting teams must be provided top-grade security during these series. He claims that any minor security lapse will result in Champions Trophy being moved out of Pakistan.
“Champions Trophy is in Pakistan,” Basit said on his YouTube channel. “After Bangladesh, England and West Indies are also scheduled to tour Pakistan and we must tighten our security. God forbid, any mishap (during these tours) will result in Pakistan losing hosting rights for Champions Trophy. Our soldiers are being martyred in Balochistan and Peshawar. Our government can explain better the reasons why but (what’s happening) it’s wrong.”
“We cannot afford even a minor slip-up. We should offer the same level of security to the visiting teams as for the Prime Minister. There cannot be a minor incident. PCB chairman Mohsin will be aware of this,” he added.
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