Former cricketer Basit Ali said that Pakistan needs to pay more attention to security on the road to the 2025 Champions Trophy. The tournament will be the first ICC event on Pakistan soil since the 1996 ODI World Cup, which they co-hosted alongside India and Sri Lanka as well. However, Basit pointed out that Pakistan must ensure that there isn’t any security breach in their upcoming home series against Bangladesh, England, and West Indies as well.

Speaking in his latest YouTube video, he said, “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.”

While foreign teams have toured Pakistan in the recent past, New Zealand abandoned their tour in 2021 just before the ODI series opener
citing security concerns as well. Later that year, England also pulled out of their tour to Pakistan as well. And, any such developments in the coming months could shatter their hopes of hosting the ICC 2025 Champions Trophy.

“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.

He also commented on their upcoming Test series as well.

“Only rain can save Bangladesh, otherwise, there is no comparison. Pakistan will have a big advantage in the home conditions. Pakistan have also beaten Bangladesh in Tests in Bangaldesh,” he concluded. “Pakistan have roped in Australia’s Jason Gillespie. It remains to be seen if we will play with an Australian mindset or not. If Gillespie tries to implement the Australian mindset within the Pakistan team, it will be a big mistake.”