Pakistan will host the next Champions Trophy cricket tournament at the beginning of next year. A tournament where the best teams in the world compete will be held from February 21 to March 9.
More than the competitions that are going to enthrall the cricketing world, the tournament is now under the microscope regarding the security issues in Pakistan. Their neighboring country, India, is unlikely to travel there. India refused to play in the last Asia Cup in Pakistan, and the ICC had to conduct the tournament in a hybrid mode with the matches played in Pakistan and the UAE.
For the Champions Trophy 2025, discussions are taking place between ICC officials and both India and Pakistan cricket boards to reach an agreement regarding the issue.
Basit Ali On Security Concerns in Pakistan
Recently, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali commented on the security issues in his own country. He urged Pakistan to conduct the England and West Indies series, which are supposed to be held before the Champions Trophy, without any security breaches. According to him, a slight outbreak will ruin Pakistan’s chances of hosting the Champions Trophy.
“England and West Indies will play in Pakistan before the Champions Trophy. If something wrong happens during these series, the upcoming Champions Trophy will not be played in Pakistan. Our soldiers are getting martyred is Balochistan and Peshawar. Only our government knows the reason but it’s wrong,” Basit Ali said.
“There should not be even a small security breach. The visiting teams should get the same security as Prime Minister and President of Pakistan. I am confident that PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is aware of these things.”
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