Islamabad, Pakistan

Former Pakistan captain and veteran gloveman Rashid Latif has slammed BCCI’s reasoning of ‘security concerns’ not solid enough for them not to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025. The latest reports suggest that the BCCI has conveyed to ICC their decision not to allow the Men in Blue to travel across the border for the eight-team tournament, scheduled for February-March next year.

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Furious over BCCI’s decision, Latif said if BCCI decides against sending its team to Pakistan, the hosts must consider boycotting this tournament altogether. His bold statement came after BCCI pushed for a neutral venue for all India games, with Dubai emerging as the top option. 

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Latif continued by saying that it’s not any bilateral series that BCCI can refuse to travel to Pakistan and that it’s an ICC event for which India, like all other participating nations, signed up, and on those grounds, must adhere to it.

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“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 during the Geo News show.

“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," he added.

ICC exist because of India and Pakistan

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India vs Pakistan matches across all levels are the marquee yet money-making clashes, and considering how impactful it is monetary-wise, the ICC make the most out of this game. Latif said if the Pakistani Board follows BCCI’s path and decides not to show up for an ICC event like their counterpart is doing for this one, the ICC will be of no use and suffer massive losses.

“ICC is existing only because there is Pakistan and India. If the government of Pakistan also says 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, Pakistan will take a big step by not participating in the tournament," he added.

Meanwhile, the PCB was supposed to release the final Champions Trophy schedule by Monday (Nov 11), but with BCCI denying sending its team for the tournament, what modifications will be made to it is yet to be seen. 

(With inputs from agencies)