ICC sends reminder of 1996 World Cup as India's refusal sparks chaos in Champions Trophy: 'Ban Pakistan if you dare'

Once again, the Pakistan Cricket Board finds itself in a challenging situation due to the decision of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informing the International Cricket Council (ICC) that India will not be traveling to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy. Despite the PCB having already commenced preparations for the prestigious event, including the renovation of stadiums months in advance, rumors are circulating that the tournament may need to be held in a hybrid format to accommodate the absence of India.

The Pakistan cricket fraternity has reacted strongly to India's decision as recently, former cricketer Basit Ali asserted that India should lose two points if the tournament gets played in 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.

The same situation happened last year when India refused to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup as the ACC had to adopt the hybrid model, with the majority of matches being played in Sri Lanka, including the final.

The BCCI has not sent its cricket team to Pakistan since 2008, when the Men in Blue last came for the Asia Cup under Mahendra Singh Dhoni's captaincy. Meanwhile, Pakistan have toured India for a bilateral white-ball series in 2012-13, the T20 World Cup in 2016 and the 50-over World Cup last year.

Basit advised PCB to stay adamant in their decision and said they should play all of their matches in Pakistan only. He also feels that ICC doesn't have the courage to ban Pakistan if they decide not to participate in the Champions Trophy.

"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."