- Monday, March 03, 2025
Pakistan will host Test series against Bangladesh, England and West Indies, before the Champions Trophy
By: shajil kumar
FORMER Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has expressed concerns about his country’s ability to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in the wake of the worsening security situation.
He urged the government to address the recent spate of attacks on military personnel and enhance security measures for upcoming international cricket tours.
Ali warned that any security lapse could thwart the nation’s bid to host a global cricket tournament.
Pakistan is also set to host Test series against Bangladesh, England and West Indies in the 2024-25 season.
The former cricketer highlighted that Pakistan, which had stunned India in the 2017 final to win the Champions Trophy, faces significant security challenges.
He pointed out that the recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan and Peshawar has heightened tensions across the nation.
With the Champions Trophy scheduled to be hosted in Pakistan next year, these ongoing security issues could jeopardize the successful staging of the event, he said in a YouTube podcast.
“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,” he said.
He said the Pakistan government should ensure that there are no untoward incidents during the test matches.
Pakistan will be hosting a two-match Test series against Bangladesh starting August 21 in Rawalpindi, followed by a second Test in Karachi from August 30.
This will be followed by hosting England for a three-match Test series and West Indies for another two-match Test series.
The Pakistan team will also play a tri-series with New Zealand and South Africa just before the Champions Trophy.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is already facing uncertainty over hosting the Champions Trophy, as there are reports that India may refuse to participate due to security concerns.
