NEW DELHI: Pakistan cricket icon Rashid Latif has voiced strong views following reports that India may refuse to play in Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
Addressing the situation on Geo News, Latif emphasized the binding nature of ICC tournament commitments and questioned the validity of security concerns, noting that teams from Australia, New Zealand, England, and South Africa have all recently played in Pakistan without incident.
“If it is a bilateral series or Asia Cup, then the teams are asked if India wants to play or not. But this is an ICC event,” Latif stated. “The cycle has been signed from 2024-2031. Broadcasters and sponsors have agreements specifying the participating teams.”
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He further pointed out that a refusal would require a “solid reason” under ICC regulations, similar to how West Indies and Australia skipped matches in Sri Lanka during the 1996 World Cup, citing specific threats.
“Security alone,” Latif argued, “is not a solid reason.”
Latif also opened up on the potential consequences if Pakistan were to reciprocate India’s stance by opting out of ICC events, saying, “The ICC exists only because of Pakistan and India. If the government of Pakistan says, like India, that we won’t play, the ICC would lose relevance as viewership would drop drastically.”
He added, “India cannot simply deny participation in ICC events since they’ve already signed agreements.”
On Friday, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi echoed these sentiments while addressing the media following an inspection of the Gaddafi Stadium upgrades for the Champions Trophy.
Naqvi expressed disappointment over India’s reported stance and underscored the potential for the tournament to strengthen regional cricket ties.
He noted, “Reports have been circulating in Indian media about India not coming to Pakistan. We’ll only accept this if it’s provided in writing from the BCCI with clear reasons.”
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Naqvi dismissed any discussions around a “hybrid model”, adding, “We have not engaged in dialogue on such a proposal and believe politics should stay out of cricket. We are fully committed to hosting the Champions Trophy and are confident it will be a success.”
Meanwhile, TimesofIndia.com on Friday reported that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has requested matches be played at a neutral venue, with Dubai being the leading option.
According to sources contracted by TimesofIndia.com, the BCCI has already conveyed its concerns to the PCB and other ICC stakeholders, further fueling speculation about the tournament’s final venue arrangements.