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The BCCI and PCB are currently in a massive debate over the Indian cricket team traveling to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy. The mega tournament is currently set to be hosted by Pakistan in February next year. However, BCCI is not in favor of sending the Men in Blue side to their neighboring country citing safety concerns. The Indian cricket board has vouched that the marquee event should be played in a hybrid model. When the Asia Cup 2022 was held in a hybrid format, Sri Lanka hosted all of the major matches. PCB doesn't believe the Champions Trophy should move out of Pakistan and has taken confirmation from the ICC.
Basit Ali's massive remark
Pakistan will face Bangladesh in a home Test series consisting of two matches. They will also be hosting the England and West Indies before the next ICC mega tournament and former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali feels PCB should guarantee there are no security issues as it could make a big impact on Pakistan hosting the Champions Trophy.
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"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," said Basit Ali on his YouTube channel.
Since the 1996 ODI World Cup, which Pakistan co-hosted with India and Sri Lanka, the Champions Trophy is the first ICC event held in Pakistan. Pakistan were banned from hosting matches following the infamous attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in 2009. Teams began traveling to Pakistan after Ramiz Raja became chairman of the PCB. However, their efforts to host elite teams were hampered in 2021 when New Zealand canceled the tour before the first one-day international due to security concerns. England likewise pulled out of the visit that very year. However, New Zealand, England and Australia got back to play in Pakistan one year from now.
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