There is no end to the confusion regarding India’s travel plans to Pakistan, for the Champions Trophy 2025. There are report suggesting that the Indian team will play their matches in UAE, then there are reports also about Pakistan not agreeing to this “Hybrid model”, and lastly, there are also reports, saying PCB has agreed to this arrangement.
Recently, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said, “In recent years, Pakistan has extended numerous good gestures. However, we hope we are not expected to always do so,” Naqvi was quoted as saying by Geo News. Responding to this, former PAK skipper Rashid Latif has made another “stupid” comment, that might hurt Pakistan even further.
He said, that Pakistan may boycott ICC events if India don’t come to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. “If it is a bilateral series or Asia Cup, then the teams are asked, whether India wants to play or not. This is an ICC event. The cycle has been signed from 2024-2031. All the broadcasters and sponsors have signed about the teams that will participate in the Champions Trophy or the World Cup,” Latif said on Geo News.
“If a team denies to participate, they need to have a solid reason to justify their call. Just like in 1996, the West Indies and Australia did not go to Sri Lanka but still reached the final. If you make a reason for security, then it is not a solid reason. Teams like Australia, New Zealand, England, and South Africa are coming to Pakistan. They want to come to Pakistan,” he added.
“ICC is existing only because there is Pakistan and India. If the government of Pakistan also says like India that we won’t play, then the ICC will be of no use as no one will watch the match,” Rashid said.
“We can say that India does not want to play bilateral matches, but you can’t deny the ICC events as you already have signed it. India has to make solid ground. If India doesn’t come this time, Pakistan will take a big step by not participating in the tournament,” he added.
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