Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif reckoned that Jay Shah's appointment as the International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman will help the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). He also said that Jay Shah will put effort into sending India's team to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. Pakistan are hosting the Champions Trophy 2025 and BCCI are yet to decide whether to send team India to the neighbouring nation for the marquee event. India last travelled to Pakistan was back in 2008 for the Asia Cup.
After 2008, India have not travelled to Pakistan for any bilateral series due to political tensions and players safety.
"PCB has not opposed Shah's appointment for a reason. I think there's an understanding. If India's team comes, it will be because of Jay Shah’s efforts, along with support from their government."
Latif said that BCCI's approval to send team India to Pakistan is halfway granted and India are coming to Pakistan for the marquee event.
"Approval has already been halfway granted. India is coming to Pakistan."
Jay Shah was appointed as ICC chairman on August 27 replacing Greg Barclay who recently resigned from the designation. Barclay has been heading the position since 2020.
“Jay Shah has been elected unopposed as the next Independent Chair of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Shah, who has served as the BCCI Honorary Secretary since October 2019 and Chair of the Asian Cricket Council since January 2021, will assume this prestigious role on December 1, 2024. Shah was the sole nominee for the chairmanship after current Chair Greg Barclay decided not to seek a third term,” said ICC in a media release.
On the other hand, ICC have approved the budget for the Champions Trophy 2025 which will take place in February to March next year. PCB Chairman said that Pakistan will not shift any match of the tournament.
“The PCB Chairman said that while some domestic matches may need to be shifted to facilitate uninterrupted construction work, this in no way pertains to the ICC Champions Trophy, which remains a priority for the PCB as a premier eight-team international event. The PCB is fully committed to hosting a world-class ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at three of Pakistan’s iconic venues, ensuring an unforgettable experience for our passionate cricket fans. In line with this commitment, the PCB has already submitted a draft schedule to the International Cricket Council (ICC), with the proposed dates spanning from 19 February to 9 March 2025,” the statement further added.
