Former wicketkeeper-batsman Rashid Latif says that if he had the power, he would not let Pakistan play against India in any tournament, and also suggested that ICC should not grant hosting rights of global events to both countries until they resolve their issues . The BCCI has refused to send its team to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy and there is speculation that the entire tournament could be moved out of the country. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has written to the International Cricket Council (ICC) seeking written confirmation from the BCCI that India is unable to travel to Pakistan for the tournament.
“There is a strong possibility that Pakistan may stop playing cricket against India. Had I been in power, I might have taken this strong step. I wouldn't 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 language, told PTI Videos.
“Had I been there, I would have taken this decision and fought the BCCI.” He suggested that the ICC should also stop giving major tournaments to both India and Pakistan until the issues are resolved.
“In my opinion, ICC should withhold hosting rights for both countries until these mutual issues are resolved; until their issues are resolved,” said the former wicketkeeper-batsman who played 37 Tests and 166 ODIs.
On the issue of political interference in cricket, especially in Asia, Latif referred to the ban imposed by the ICC on Sri Lanka (in 2023) and Zimbabwe (in 2019) and wondered why the global body was lenient towards India and Pakistan.
The ICC had suspended Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in November last year for alleged political interference in the governance of the sport in the country. The suspension was lifted in January this year.
“Why are India and Pakistan not banned? Because the ICC has a lot of stakes in them,” he said.
The former cricketer criticized BCCI's stand on security concerns for the Indian team in Pakistan and said the ICC security team had assessed his country and deemed it safe.
“This is the first time, I would say, that the BCCI is at fault. The reason they are giving is very weak. It should be put in writing that the BCCI and the Indian cricket team feel threatened.
“The ICC security team came here and gave the green light for the tournament. If you had any problems, you could have reported it to them,” he said.
On whether Pakistan will withdraw from the Champions Trophy if the tournament is shifted elsewhere, the veteran said: “No one has seen it on paper. It has to be written on a piece of paper. We have had a word with the PCB ( and) they said they have sent an email to the Pakistani government about this. This is a serious legal issue, no one is willing to report it in writing.”
Latif was confident that the lack of matches with India would not hinder the progress of Pakistani cricket.
“We haven't played at home for 12 years. What could be more painful than that? Pakistan gets the $34 million (from ICC) every eight years, whether they play India or not. Rich people will suffer losses, not a board like PCB that doesn't have the money.
“Pakistan can survive by playing bilateral series even if they don't play major ICC tournaments.”
Topics mentioned in this article
