Basit Ali, a former cricketer, has highlighted the necessary importance of observing tough security measures as Pakistan readies to host the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. This will be Pakistan’s first ICC tournament since they jointly hosted the 1996 World Cup with India and Sri Lanka.
Basit Ali stated that any breach in security during the upcoming series against Bangladesh, England, and West Indies would jeopardize Pakistan’s plans for hosting Champions Trophy successfully.
He emphasized this on his YouTube channel in terms of heightened security measures for these tours.
“We have to be very cautious because we are going to host Champions Trophy and after Bangladesh England & West Indies team is coming. So we have to make sure about security”, he said. “So God forbid if anything happens on these tours then definitely champions trophy won’t happen here again. Our soldiers are being martyred in Balochistan and Peshawar. No explanation except from the government but it’s happening wrong way.”
These concerns with regard to safety emerged following several incidents where foreign teams expressed their fears while touring Pakistan. In 2021, New Zealand abandoned their tour just before the start of ODI series due to security reasons. While later that year England followed suit by pulling out of their scheduled tour.
Basit Ali furthermore added on how important it is for visiting teams to have top level security. “We must make sure there is even one single hole or breach through which terrorists can attack our country. These foreign teams should have same kind of protection like our president or prime minister has got. I know these things are known to Mohsin Naqvi.”
This becomes a critical focus as Pakistan’s home cricket season starts with a two-match Test series against Bangladesh beginning on August 21st. For example, there would be no safety for any visiting team which is a prerequisite for successfully hosting them 2025’s champions trophy.
Anything negative happening over these games could put an end to Pakistan’s hope to host it. The all-rounder-turned-analyst stressed the immense importance of removing any room for security breaches and preserving these plans.
