Former wicketkeeper-batter Rashid Latif stated that if it were up to him, he would prevent Pakistan from competing against India in any tournament. He also suggested that the ICC should refrain from awarding hosting rights for global events to either country until their issues are resolved.
The BCCI has declined to send its team to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy, sparking speculation that the entire event might be relocated. In response, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formally requested a written confirmation from the ICC regarding India’s inability to travel to Pakistan for the tournament.
"There's a big possibility that Pakistan can stop playing cricket against India. Had I been in power, then, yes, I may have taken this strong step. I would not blame anyone for this. If you don't want to play (in Pakistan), then don't play against us (at all)," Latif, known for his plain speak, told PTI Videos.
"If I would have been there, I would have taken this decision, and fought against the BCCI."
He suggested that the ICC should also stop giving major tournaments to both India and Pakistan till issues are resolved.
"In my opinion, ICC should withhold the hosting rights for both countries until these issues between them are resolved; until their problems are settled," said the former wicketkeeper-batter who played 37 Tests and 166 ODIs.
The former cricketer slammed BCCI's stance regarding security concerns for the Indian team in Pakistan, saying the ICC's security team had assessed his country and deemed it safe.
"This is the first time, I would say, the BCCI is at fault. The reason they are stating is very weak. It has to be in writing that the BCCI and the Indian cricket team is feeling threatened.
"The ICC security team came here and gave the green light for the tournament. If you had issues, you could have reported to them," he said.
On whether Pakistan will withdraw from the Champions Trophy if the tournament is shifted elsewhere, the veteran said, "Nobody has seen it on paper. It has to be written down on a piece of paper. We had a word with the PCB (and) they said they have sent an e-mail to the Pakistan government regarding this. This is a serious legal issue, nobody is willing to give it in writing."
Latif was confident that lack of matches with India would not hamper Pakistan cricket's progress.
"We didn't play at home for 12 long years. What could be more painful than that? Pakistan will get the 34 million dollars in every eight-year time (from ICC), whether they play India or not. The boards that are rich will suffer losses, not a board like PCB that doesn't have the money.
"Pakistan can survive playing bilateral series even if they don't play major ICC tournaments."
