Former captain slams India’s refusal to play ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan

Former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif has weighed in on the ongoing dispute regarding India's refusal to play the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan.

The Indian government has expressed its reluctance to allow the Men in Blue to travel to Pakistan, citing security concerns, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) about its stance.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly unhappy with India's position, urging the Pakistani government to take a decisive course of action.

According to multiple reports, Pakistan has announced that it will not play against India in any ICC tournament or the Asia Cup if the 2025 Champions Trophy is not held in Pakistan. Moreover, the PCB has made it clear that they will withdraw from the event altogether if it is relocated to another country.

Rashid Latif, speaking to the media, did not call for extreme measures like banning the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) or taking legal action against those involved.

However, he expressed frustration with the ongoing situation, saying, “I don’t want to speak on anybody’s behalf. If I had had the authority and power to make decisions, I would have stopped playing against India. If they don’t want to play against us, let’s do it."

He further emphasized his willingness to sever cricket ties with India, stating, “I would have cut the cricket ties with India and fought with the BCCI to see who is more powerful,” 

Pakistan has also rejected the idea of a hybrid model for the tournament, in which some matches would be played in neutral venues like Dubai. India had proposed this solution, but Pakistan firmly turned down the suggestion.

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place in Pakistan in February-March 2025, marking the country’s first international event since hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2008.