Pak's law and order concerns Basit

'With England and WI set to tour, we must ensure foolproof security'

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has expressed serious concerns regarding Pakistan's ability to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 if the security situation in the country does not improve.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ali called on the Pakistani government to address the ongoing security challenges, particularly the recent rise in attacks leading to the deaths of soldiers across the nation.

He emphasized the importance of maintaining a secure environment as Pakistan prepares to host several international teams this season.

With tours from England, West Indies, and Bangladesh on the horizon, he stressed the need for the government to ensure that these tours are completed safely without any security incidents.

"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," Basit said.

Pakistan is set to host Bangladesh for a two-match Test series, with the first Test scheduled in Rawalpindi from August 21-25 and the second in Karachi from August 30-September 3.

The former cricketer also advised the government to provide the same level of security to the visiting foreign teams as is given to the country's Prime Minister and President.

"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 said.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) finds itself in a challenging situation amid these security concerns. There have also been reports of India potentially refusing to participate in the Champions Trophy 2025.

Such a move could force the tournament to be conducted in a hybrid model, creating logistical difficulties for the host nation.

Following the series against Bangladesh, Pakistan will continue its home season with a three-match Test series against England.

Shaheens in command

Umar Amin's 32nd first-class century has put Pakistan Shaheens in a commanding position against Bangladesh 'A' at the close of day two of the first four-day match at the Islamabad Club on Wednesday.

At stumps, Shaheens were 367 for four in 90 overs, with a first innings lead of 245 runs. Saad Khan (31 not out, 39b, 6x4s) and Kamran Ghulam (20 not out, 63b, 1x4,1x6), will resume batting on the third day, which will begin at 09.30am tomorrow.

For Bangladesh 'A', left-arm spinner Hasan Murad bagged two wickets for 49 runs.

Earlier, after resuming their first innings at the overnight score of two for no loss, the home side were dealt a blow when left-handed batter Saim Ayub returned back to the hut, scoring 11 off 28 balls, which included a four. Mohammad Huraira was the second batter to be dismissed, scoring 39 off 67 balls, hitting five boundaries.

The experienced Umar was then joined by captain Saud Shakeel and the pair knitted a 195-run partnership for the third wicket. During the partnership, left-handed Umar brought up his century. He fell 23 runs short of a double-century, and was dismissed for 177 off 211 balls, smashing 23 fours and three towering sixes.

After Umar's departure, fellow southpaw Saud soon followed the centurion and was stumped off the bowling of Hasan for 76 with the scorecard reading 322 for four. Saud's innings included nine boundaries across 132 deliveries.

Scores in brief:

Close of play - Day 2

Bangladesh 'A' 122 all out, 44.3 overs (Mahmudul Hasan Joy 65; Naseem Shah 3-24, Mir Hamza 3-33, Mohammad Rameez Jnr 2-41)

Pakistan Shaheens 367-4, 90 overs (Umar Amin 177, Saud Shakeel 76, Mohammad Huraira 39, Saad Khan 31 not out, Kamran Ghulam 20 not out; Hasan Murad 2-49, Tanzim Hasan Sakib 1-67, Nayeem Hasan 1-81)

Pakistan Shaheens lead by 245 runs.