Former Pakistan cricket team captain Rashid Latif made a bold statement about the Champions Trophy 2025, stating that the tournament should be discontinued. Speaking at a recent event, Latif suggested that Pakistan should reject participation in the competition before the BCCI takes any additional action.
Pakistan was ready to host the first ICC tournament since ODI World Cup 1996, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sent an official email to the International Cricket Council (ICC) stating that the Indian government would not allow the Men in Blue to travel Pakistan for the mega event due to security reasons.
In the official meeting of the ICC, BCCI proposed the “hybrid model” for the ICC event but the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) rejected the proposal and Mohsin Naqvi stood firm on his decision. However, ICC clearly stated that any ICC event will not take place without India. In the recent ICC meeting, PCB put some conditions for accepting a hybrid model.
BCCI and the ICC want Pakistan to host the Champions Trophy 2025 in a hybrid model. The PCB requested that the same arrangement should be implemented for all ICC tournaments held in India until 2031. However, the ICC has agreed to adopt the hybrid model for all its events through 2027.
During this timeframe, India will host a pair of ICC tournaments. In 2026, they will co-host the T20 World Cup with Sri Lanka, meaning Pakistan will play all their matches on the island. Additionally, India will host the Women’s World Cup in 2025, requiring Pakistan’s cricket team to compete in a neutral venue for all their fixtures.
“Champions Trophy shouldn’t happen anymore. You should say no before they refuse,” 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 the chance to push Pakistan to 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 added.
Rashid Latif said “Pakistan should boycott the Champions Trophy now. Before BCCI takes this step, PCB should take it. Champions Trophy shouldn’t happen anymore” 🇵🇰🇮🇳🤯
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) December 10, 2024
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which possesses the hosting rights for the Champions Trophy, has allegedly requested a formal written commitment from the international governing body regarding the hybrid model for upcoming ICC tournaments.
“Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) wants a written assurance from the World body (ICC) regarding a hybrid model for the future international events to be hosted by India. Decision on Champions Trophy most likely by Wednesday,” sources stated.
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Jasir Basharat is a cricket enthusiast capturing the heart of the game through insightful analysis and storytelling sharing his passion for the sport through engaging narratives. He is a business graduate from University of Kashmir.
