Champions Trophy 2025: Former Pakistan cricketer urges PCB to follow Sri Lanka's 1996 World Cup example over India’s participation

Former cricketer Basit Ali has suggested that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should adopt a stance similar to Sri Lanka’s approach during the 1996 World Cup, amid uncertainty surrounding India’s participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The ninth edition of the tournament is scheduled to take place in Pakistan during the February-March window of 2025, but India’s involvement remains unclear due to security concerns.

Reports have emerged from Indian media, citing a source within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), indicating that India will not be traveling to Pakistan for the tournament. This development has been further confirmed by sources within the International Cricket Council (ICC), who stated that the Indian government has denied permission for the team to travel to Pakistan, primarily due to security issues.

The news has sparked strong reactions from many former cricketers in Pakistan, including Basit Ali, who voiced his concerns in a video on his official YouTube channel. Ali has called for the PCB to take a firm stance and follow Sri Lanka’s example during the 1996 World Cup when the host country faced a similar dilemma.

The 1996 World Cup, which was jointly hosted by Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka, saw a major controversy when both Australia and the West Indies refused to travel to Sri Lanka over security fears. Despite Sri Lanka’s assurance of full-proof security, the two teams remained steadfast in their position. In response, the ICC awarded Sri Lanka four valuable points by granting forfeits for the matches against Australia and the West Indies, allowing the host nation to qualify for the quarter-finals without playing those games.

Ali emphasized that the PCB should take a similar approach in the event that India refuses to play in Pakistan, especially in a "hybrid model" scenario, where some matches may be held at neutral venues. He stated that Pakistan should demand points for any matches that India refuses to play on Pakistani soil.

“PCB should demand points if India refuses to play in Pakistan in case of a hybrid model, similar to the 1996 World Cup situation,” the former batter stated. “Pakistan should be awarded two points if India doesn’t come here to play.”

“Pakistan, being the host, should play all their matches on home soil [in case of a hybrid model]. And if the host location changes, Pakistan should refuse to participate.”

The uncertainty surrounding India’s participation is causing growing tensions as the Champions Trophy approaches. The PCB has yet to officially respond to these developments, but Ali’s call for a strong stance is likely to fuel ongoing debates within Pakistan’s cricketing community regarding the future of the tournament.