'ICC will ban Pakistan if...,' Former Pak cricketer on India-Pakistan Champions Trophy drama

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has said that if India don't come to play to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy then the hosts should get the points for the match but no hybrid model should be deployed. The statement comes as India have made it clear that they won't be going to Pakistan and the hosts are not ready go for the hybrid model.

"Do you remember that in the 1996 World Cup Sri Lanka got 2-2 points after West Indies and Australia did not go. Try to put India and Pakistan in different pools, the ICC will refuse. Pakistan and India are always in the same pool because of money. If there is a hybrid model and India don't visit Pakistan, give Pakistan two points. It has happened before too, so try it now," Basit said on his YouTube channel.

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"Pakistan should play all their matches in Pakistan. It is as simple as that. Pakistan should not participate if the Champions Trophy is taken from them and conducted in some other country. People are saying that the ICC will ban Pakistan if they don't participate. Try to ban Pakistan if you have the courage. Everyone will lose their sleep," he added.

The drama was always bound to happen as the two countries don't play any bilateral cricket due to political tensions between them. India had also refused to play the Asia Cup 2023 in Pakistan and the tournament later was played under hybrid model with India's matches being played in Sri Lanka.

Pakistan, however, did travel to India for the ODI World Cup 2023 and expected India to return the favour. The PCB referred India's decision to their government and the Pakistan government has told PCB to avoid any cricket with India.

The ICC Champions Trophy is expected to be played from February 19 to March 9.