Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif slammed the International Cricket Council (ICC) as India reportedly refused to travel to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. Multiple reports suggest that India is unlikely to travel to Pakistan for the tournament, and discussions are underway for a potential hybrid model of hosting.
Latif said that the ICC only exists because of India and Pakistan and if Pakistan also denies playing then there is no use for the ICC and if India denied to play then Pakistan might also not participate in the tournament.
"If it is a bilateral series or Asia Cup, then the teams are asked, whether India wants to play or not. This is an ICC event. The cycle has been signed from 2024-2031. All the broadcasters and sponsors have signed about the teams that will participate in the Champions Trophy or the World Cup," Latif said during the Geo News show.
"If a team denies to participate, they need to have a solid reason to justify their call. Just like in 1996, the West Indies and Australia did not go to Sri Lanka but still reached the final. If you make a reason for security, then it is not a solid reason. Teams like Australia, New Zealand, England, and South Africa are coming to Pakistan. They want to come to Pakistan," he added
"ICC is existing only because there is Pakistan and India. If the government of Pakistan also says like India that we won't play, then the ICC will be of no use as no one will watch the match," Rashid said.
"We can say that India does not want to play bilateral matches, but you can't deny the ICC events as you already have signed it. India has to make solid ground. If India doesn't come this time, Pakistan will take a big step by not participating in the tournament," he added.
As per the recent reports, The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that the Indian cricket team will not travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, citing government advice as the reason behind the decision.
The tournament, which is set to feature eight teams, is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, 2025. This decision now requires the ICC and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to consider a contingency plan, which is expected to involve a hybrid model. Under this model, matches would be played in Pakistan as well as at a neutral venue.
