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Amidst the ongoing fiasco around the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif has dropped a huge comment. Notably, the Champions Trophy, which is set to be played in 2025 in February-March is likely to be held in a hybrid model after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refrained from sending the Indian cricket team to Pakistan, citing “security concerns”.
After brief discussions, the BCCI was adamant on their decision with International Cricket Council (ICC) taking a tough stand on Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to move the tournament in hybrid model. Although, the latter haven’t been in much favour of holding the tournament in hybrid model, they have reportedly written to the ICC to host all India-Pakistan matches in hybrid model for the next three years.
Pakistan should boycott Champions Trophy before BCCI: Rashid Latif
However, an official confirmation on the same is still awaited, former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif while speaking at an event opined that PCB should boycott the tournament before the BCCI takes this step. “Pakistan should boycott the Champions Trophy now. Before the BCCI takes this step, the PCB should take it. Champions Trophy shouldn’t happen anymore,” Latif said.
“We have always been made scapegoats, be it Afghan war or cricket. PCB, ACB and ICC are the same as they can’t fight against the BCCI. They have got the chance to push Pakistan at the front. We have joined hands and are fighting against it, but the only fear is that if India boycotts, where do we stand,” he further questioned.
Earlier, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had assured PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi of “complete support” on the issue of hosting the tournament. Sharif, who also serves as the Patron-in-Chief of PCB also informed PCB that the issue isn’t just about money, they also look intot he sentiments of the general masses. If reports are to be believed, the tournament will be held from February 19 till March 9 with India playing all its matches in the UAE. If India qualifies for the knockouts, the matches will be held in UAE.
