"ICC Champions Trophy won't be played in Pakistan"- Basit Ali's sensational claim shakes up cricketing world

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali reckons that Pakistan won't be able to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 if the security situation in the country does not improve. Ali asked his government to give the reasons for the killing of soldiers all over Pakistan.

Pakistan is the defending champions of the Champions Trophy having won the tournament way back in 2017 when the tournament was last played. In the upcoming home schedule, Pakistan is set to host international teams like Bangladesh, England, and West Indies.

For the past few months, Pakistan has seen several attacks on its army throughout the country which has heightened the tensions. With a big marquee event next year, the ongoing attacks can prove to be costly for the hosts.

Also read: BCCI announces changes to India’s 2024-25 home series schedule; Gwalior to host T20I match vs Bangladesh

Basit Ali questions Pakistan's government

While speaking on his YouTube channel, Basit Ali advised Pakistan's government to pay attention to the country's security.

Since Pakistan will host a no. of international teams this season, Ali hoped all the tours to be completed safely without any security issues. He asked the country's government about the lack of security that is resulting in the killing of soldiers.

"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," Basit Ali said.

Pakistan will host Bangladesh for a two-match Test series which will begin on August in Rawalpindi. The first Test will be played from August 21-25 while the second Test will be played in Karachi from August 30-September 3.

Basit Ali's advice to the Pakistan government

Basit Ali also advised the government to provide the same level of security as the country's Prime Minister and President to the foreign teams.

"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.

Pakistan's upcoming home schedule

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is in a precarious position right now. Amid all these attacks on the country, there have been reports of India denying to come to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025.

If India does not come, it will be a huge setback for Pakistan and the tournament might be held in a hybrid model which will lead to logistical issues for the host nation.

After hosting Bangladesh for a two-match Test series, Pakistan will play England for a three-match Test series at home.

They will then move abroad for a no. of overseas assignments before heading back to Pakistan for a two-match Test series against West Indies. Just before the Champions Trophy, they will play a tri-series with New Zealand and South Africa.