The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been facing criticism from all corners for the quality of pitch offered in the recently-concluded first Test between the hosts and Australia at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi. The flat track at the stadium sparked a run-fest as the two teams managed to pick up only 14 wickets through the course of five days.

Several former cricketers including the likes of Inzamam-ul-Haq, Shahid Afridi and Salman Butt among others criticised the PCB for the kind of pitch that was offered. The International Cricket Council (ICC) also branded the Rawalpindi track as 'below-average'.

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has also slammed the Pakistan Cricket Board over the pitch fiasco in the Rawalpindi Test and has said the board is not doing a great job in marketing the series. Australia are touring Pakistan for the first time in 24 years and are the first major side to tour the country in recent times.

Latif believes PCB should be marketing the series in a better way to attract a global audience and other major teams to Pakistan. However, the former Pakistan skipper believes the pitch fiasco has harmed Pakistan cricket.

“This series is different. This is not a series that we're playing for winning. This is a series we are playing to market ourselves. Even if it goes 3-0, I would want that a Rs 100 product is marketed as Rs 150 product. But in the Rawalpindi Test, we sold a Rs 100 product for Rs 5, and it harmed our cricket,” Latif said in a video on his YouTube channel.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-vs-australia-2nd-test-visitors-brace-up-for-karachi-challenge-after-rawalpindi-run-feast-461307">Pakistan vs Australia, 2nd Test: Visitors brace up for Karachi challenge after Rawalpindi run-feast</a>

“Australia sent their no.1 team after 24 years, they're coming straight after beating England 4-0. Their batters are in their top-10 in the rankings, so are their bowlers. We would've wanted to play good cricket, winning or losing is a different thing. We would've wanted to attract people around the world,” he added.

After a disappointing first Test which ended in a draw, Pakistan and Australia will lock horns in the second Test of the three-match series at the National Stadium in Karachi. The Aussies will hope for a better pitch in Karachi to continue their domination against the Men in Green in the longest format.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been facing criticism from all corners for the quality of pitch offered in the recently-concluded first Test between the hosts and Australia at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been facing criticism from all corners for the quality of pitch offered in the recently-concluded first Test between the hosts and Australia at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi. The flat track at the stadium sparked a run-fest as the two teams managed to pick up only 14 wickets through the course of five days. Several former cricketers including the likes of Inzamam-ul-Haq, Shahid Afridi and Salman Butt among others criticised the PCB for the kind of pitch that was offered. The International Cricket Council (ICC) also branded the Rawalpindi track as 'below-average'. Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has also slammed the Pakistan Cricket Board over the pitch fiasco in the Rawalpindi Test and has said the board is not doing a great job in marketing the series. Australia are touring Pakistan for the first time in 24 years and are the first major side to tour the country in recent times. Latif believes PCB should be marketing the series in a better way to attract a global audience and other major teams to Pakistan. However, the former Pakistan skipper believes the pitch fiasco has harmed Pakistan cricket. “This series is different. This is not a series that we're playing for winning. This is a series we are playing to market ourselves. Even if it goes 3-0, I would want that a Rs 100 product is marketed as Rs 150 product. But in the Rawalpindi Test, we sold a Rs 100 product for Rs 5, and it harmed our cricket,” Latif said in a video on his YouTube channel. Also Read: Pakistan vs Australia, 2nd Test: Visitors brace up for Karachi challenge after Rawalpindi run-feast “Australia sent their no.1 team after 24 years, they're coming straight after beating England 4-0. Their batters are in their top-10 in the rankings, so are their bowlers. We would've wanted to play good cricket, winning or losing is a different thing. We would've wanted to attract people around the world,” he added. After a disappointing first Test which ended in a draw, Pakistan and Australia will lock horns in the second Test of the three-match series at the National Stadium in Karachi. The Aussies will hope for a better pitch in Karachi to continue their domination against the Men in Green in the longest format.

'It harmed our cricket': Former Pakistan captain slams PCB over pitch fiasco against Australia

Indian cricket has undergone significant changes since the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2021 last year. While Ravi Shastri was replaced by Rahul Dravid as the new head coach, Virat Kohli is no more leading India in any format of the game. Kohli had stepped down as T20I captain willingly last year before being sacked as the ODI captain.

He decided to quit Test captaincy earlier this month which has further resulted in turmoil in Indian cricket. With the team suffering crushing defeats in both the Test and the ODI series against South Africa recently, questions have been raised on the side's morale and confidence going forward.

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has slammed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for not dealing with the situation properly. Latif believes BCCI president Sourav Ganguly had a role to play in Shastri's exit as head coach and that BCCI would not have let the former all-rounder continue in his role even if he wanted to after his contract expired.

"All this began happening when Anil Kumble was wrongly removed as coach. Ravi Shastri had taken no coaching courses and yet he directly took entry as the coach. This was a strong group – Kumble had over 600 wickets and Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid were his teammates. This trio is very strong," Latif said in a video on YouTube channel Caught Behind.

Latif claimed Shastri was told by BCCI president Ganguly that there was no way he can get another extension as head coach and that it was time for him to go. Shastri had announced before the T20 World Cup 2021 that he will be leaving the India head coach post after the conclusion of the tournament last year.&nbsp;

However, as per the former Pakistan captain, Ganguly had a role in his exit and such personal attacks have hurt Indian cricket in the last few months.

"By all means, Ganguly told Shastri 'boss, it's time to go' even if Shastri had considered continuing as coach. This whole thing has been building up since before the T20 World Cup, these are personal attacks and it has impacted Indian cricket. What happened with Pakistan in the early 1990s is happening today with Indian cricket," Latif said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/should-jasprit-bumrah-succeed-virat-kohli-as-indias-test-captain-ex-head-coach-ravi-shastri-answers-448201">Should Jasprit Bumrah succeed Virat Kohli as India's Test captain? Ex-head coach Ravi Shastri answers</a>

Latif believes KL Rahul isn't the right guy to help Indian cricket recover from the current situation and he feels Rohit Sharma will have to work hard on his fitness to ensure he can manage his workload well and take Indian cricket forward.

"Such off-field tensions hamper the performances of the team and that is exactly what has happened. Who was sitting with Kohli? Siraj, on the left. On his right, there were players who nobody knew. That picture stated it all. KL Rahul cannot handle the team, and it remains to be seen how Rohit Sharma maintains his fitness if he is to be the man to usher Indian cricket into the future," he added.

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Indian cricket has undergone significant changes since the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2021 last year. While Ravi Shastri was replaced by Rahul Dravid as the new head coach, Virat Kohli is no more leading India in any format of the game.

Indian cricket has undergone significant changes since the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2021 last year. While Ravi Shastri was replaced by Rahul Dravid as the new head coach, Virat Kohli is no more leading India in any format of the game. Kohli had stepped down as T20I captain willingly last year before being sacked as the ODI captain. He decided to quit Test captaincy earlier this month which has further resulted in turmoil in Indian cricket. With the team suffering crushing defeats in both the Test and the ODI series against South Africa recently, questions have been raised on the side's morale and confidence going forward. Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has slammed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for not dealing with the situation properly. Latif believes BCCI president Sourav Ganguly had a role to play in Shastri's exit as head coach and that BCCI would not have let the former all-rounder continue in his role even if he wanted to after his contract expired. "All this began happening when Anil Kumble was wrongly removed as coach. Ravi Shastri had taken no coaching courses and yet he directly took entry as the coach. This was a strong group – Kumble had over 600 wickets and Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid were his teammates. This trio is very strong," Latif said in a video on YouTube channel Caught Behind. Latif claimed Shastri was told by BCCI president Ganguly that there was no way he can get another extension as head coach and that it was time for him to go. Shastri had announced before the T20 World Cup 2021 that he will be leaving the India head coach post after the conclusion of the tournament last year. However, as per the former Pakistan captain, Ganguly had a role in his exit and such personal attacks have hurt Indian cricket in the last few months. "By all means, Ganguly told Shastri 'boss, it's time to go' even if Shastri had considered continuing as coach. This whole thing has been building up since before the T20 World Cup, these are personal attacks and it has impacted Indian cricket. What happened with Pakistan in the early 1990s is happening today with Indian cricket," Latif said. Also Read: Should Jasprit Bumrah succeed Virat Kohli as India's Test captain? Ex-head coach Ravi Shastri answers Latif believes KL Rahul isn't the right guy to help Indian cricket recover from the current situation and he feels Rohit Sharma will have to work hard on his fitness to ensure he can manage his workload well and take Indian cricket forward. "Such off-field tensions hamper the performances of the team and that is exactly what has happened. Who was sitting with Kohli? Siraj, on the left. On his right, there were players who nobody knew. That picture stated it all. KL Rahul cannot handle the team, and it remains to be seen how Rohit Sharma maintains his fitness if he is to be the man to usher Indian cricket into the future," he added.

Sourav Ganguly told Ravi Shastri 'boss it's time to go', personal attacks have hurt India: Ex-Pakistan captain

Virat Kohli dropped a shocker on Saturday (January 15) as he surprisingly announced that he is stepping down as the captain of the Indian Test team with immediate effect. Kohli's decision came just a day after India lost the three-match Test series against South Africa 2-1. The decision baffled many as Kohli was on his way to becoming one of the greatest Test leaders of all time.

Nonetheless, he signed off as India's most successful captain of all time in Tests with an impressive 40 wins in 68 matches as captain. Ever since Kohli's decision, there have been speculations surrounding BCCI's role in the entire saga with many blaming the board for playing a role in forcing Kohli out.

The speculations have arisen from the fact that it was not long ago that Kohli and the Indian cricket board had a public fallout over his sacking as ODI captain of the team. In an explosive press conference ahead of the South Africa tour in December last year, Kohli had openly contradicted BCCI president Sourav Ganguly's comments about his removal as ODI captain.

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BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, however, in his tweet, clarified that the decision to leave Test captaincy was entirely Kohli's call and that he had no pressure from the BCCI. Reacting to Kohli's move and Ganguly's tweet on it, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif made some bold claims.

Latif believes the real reason behind Kohli's decision to leave Test captaincy can be his tiff with the BCCI and board president Ganguly. The former Pakistan captain said it is a battle between the two stalwarts of Indian cricket.

"The real reason why these things happen is because you have a tiff with the board. Irrespective of what Virat says that it's his decision or what Sourav Ganguly tweets, this is battle of two stalwarts," Rashid Latif said in a video on his YouTube channel Caught Behind.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-was-tired-was-his-decision-alone-to-leave-test-captaincy-rohit-likely-to-take-over-report-445179">Virat Kohli was 'tired', was his decision alone to leave Test captaincy; Rohit likely to take over - Report</a>

You have unsettled Indian cricket: Rashid Latif slams BCCI

Former Pakistan captain Latif also slammed the BCCI for targeting Kohli unnecessarily since his decision to step down as the T20I captain of the team last year. Kohli had last year announced that he will not remain India's T20I skipper post the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2021 but had expressed his desire to continue leading the side in ODIs and Tests.

However, he was later removed as the ODI captain with the BCCI biggies reasoning that the selectors wanted to have one white-ball captain going forward. Latif criticised the Indian cricket board, accusing them of not just unsettling Kohli, one of the greatest in midern-day cricket but also Indian cricket.

"Some people are emotional. They know when and how to provoke Kohli. When he announced that he won't captain India in T20Is after the World Cup, he was removed as ODI captain as well. You haven't only unsettled Kohli; you've unsettled Indian cricket,"

Virat Kohli dropped a shocker on Saturday (January 15) as he surprisingly announced that he is stepping down as the captain of the Indian Test team with immediate effect.

Virat Kohli dropped a shocker on Saturday (January 15) as he surprisingly announced that he is stepping down as the captain of the Indian Test team with immediate effect. Kohli's decision came just a day after India lost the three-match Test series against South Africa 2-1. The decision baffled many as Kohli was on his way to becoming one of the greatest Test leaders of all time. Nonetheless, he signed off as India's most successful captain of all time in Tests with an impressive 40 wins in 68 matches as captain. Ever since Kohli's decision, there have been speculations surrounding BCCI's role in the entire saga with many blaming the board for playing a role in forcing Kohli out. The speculations have arisen from the fact that it was not long ago that Kohli and the Indian cricket board had a public fallout over his sacking as ODI captain of the team. In an explosive press conference ahead of the South Africa tour in December last year, Kohli had openly contradicted BCCI president Sourav Ganguly's comments about his removal as ODI captain. × BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, however, in his tweet, clarified that the decision to leave Test captaincy was entirely Kohli's call and that he had no pressure from the BCCI. Reacting to Kohli's move and Ganguly's tweet on it, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif made some bold claims. Latif believes the real reason behind Kohli's decision to leave Test captaincy can be his tiff with the BCCI and board president Ganguly. The former Pakistan captain said it is a battle between the two stalwarts of Indian cricket. "The real reason why these things happen is because you have a tiff with the board. Irrespective of what Virat says that it's his decision or what Sourav Ganguly tweets, this is battle of two stalwarts," Rashid Latif said in a video on his YouTube channel Caught Behind. Also Read: Virat Kohli was 'tired', was his decision alone to leave Test captaincy; Rohit likely to take over - Report You have unsettled Indian cricket: Rashid Latif slams BCCI Former Pakistan captain Latif also slammed the BCCI for targeting Kohli unnecessarily since his decision to step down as the T20I captain of the team last year. Kohli had last year announced that he will not remain India's T20I skipper post the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2021 but had expressed his desire to continue leading the side in ODIs and Tests. However, he was later removed as the ODI captain with the BCCI biggies reasoning that the selectors wanted to have one white-ball captain going forward. Latif criticised the Indian cricket board, accusing them of not just unsettling Kohli, one of the greatest in midern-day cricket but also Indian cricket. "Some people are emotional. They know when and how to provoke Kohli. When he announced that he won't captain India in T20Is after the World Cup, he was removed as ODI captain as well. You haven't only unsettled Kohli; you've unsettled Indian cricket,"

Irrespective of what Kohli says or what Ganguly tweets, it's battle of two stalwarts, says ex-Pakistan captain

Taking a dig at Indian cricket team fans, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has said Indians will now say they don't have players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in their team. Latif lauded the Pakistani opening duo for their batting heroics in T20Is this year and hailed them for their remarkable consistency.

Babar and Rizwan displayed sensational form throughout the year and dominated the proceedings in T20Is. The duo produced several memorable match-winning partnerships for Pakistan and broke a number of records with their batting exploits in the shortest format of the game.&nbsp;

While Rizwan is the top run-getter in T20Is in 2021 with 1326 runs to his name, Babar is at the second spot having amassed 939 runs in T20Is this year. The duo was also in terrific form in the T20 World Cup 2021 where they helped the Men in Green reach the semi-finals.

Hailing Babar and Rizwan for their brilliant consistency, Latif took a dig at Indian fans during a show on Pakistani news channel&nbsp;PTV Sports&nbsp;and said - "About a year ago, we used to say that Pakistan doesn’t have players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma or KL Rahul, especially in T20 cricket. But I think, after some time, Indians will also say that we don’t have players like Rizwan and Babar.”

Babar and Rizwan are the only players to have crossed the 900-run mark in T20Is this year and have been sensational as an opening duo for Pakistan. Rizwan had recently become the first batsman in the world to notch up 2000 runs in a calendar year in T20 cricket. 1326 of those came in T20 internationals for Pakistan, including twelve half-centuries and a hundred.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-like-virat-kohlis-attitude-but-he-fights-a-lot-says-bcci-president-sourav-ganguly-amid-captaincy-row-438107">I like Virat Kohli's attitude but he fights a lot, says BCCI president Sourav Ganguly amid captaincy row</a>

Despite being consistent performers for their team in T20Is, Babar and Rizwan have often been criticised for their moderate strike rate. However, Latif believes the duo has made up for their strike rate by pacing their innings perfectly.

"Earlier, we also had our reservations about their scoring rate, but they made up for it by pacing their innings perfectly," said the former Pakistan captain.

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Taking a dig at Indian cricket team fans, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has said Indians will now say they don't have players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in their team.

Taking a dig at Indian cricket team fans, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has said Indians will now say they don't have players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in their team. Latif lauded the Pakistani opening duo for their batting heroics in T20Is this year and hailed them for their remarkable consistency. Babar and Rizwan displayed sensational form throughout the year and dominated the proceedings in T20Is. The duo produced several memorable match-winning partnerships for Pakistan and broke a number of records with their batting exploits in the shortest format of the game. While Rizwan is the top run-getter in T20Is in 2021 with 1326 runs to his name, Babar is at the second spot having amassed 939 runs in T20Is this year. The duo was also in terrific form in the T20 World Cup 2021 where they helped the Men in Green reach the semi-finals. Hailing Babar and Rizwan for their brilliant consistency, Latif took a dig at Indian fans during a show on Pakistani news channel PTV Sports and said - "About a year ago, we used to say that Pakistan doesn’t have players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma or KL Rahul, especially in T20 cricket. But I think, after some time, Indians will also say that we don’t have players like Rizwan and Babar.” Babar and Rizwan are the only players to have crossed the 900-run mark in T20Is this year and have been sensational as an opening duo for Pakistan. Rizwan had recently become the first batsman in the world to notch up 2000 runs in a calendar year in T20 cricket. 1326 of those came in T20 internationals for Pakistan, including twelve half-centuries and a hundred. Also Read: I like Virat Kohli's attitude but he fights a lot, says BCCI president Sourav Ganguly amid captaincy row Despite being consistent performers for their team in T20Is, Babar and Rizwan have often been criticised for their moderate strike rate. However, Latif believes the duo has made up for their strike rate by pacing their innings perfectly. "Earlier, we also had our reservations about their scoring rate, but they made up for it by pacing their innings perfectly," said the former Pakistan captain.

We used to say Pakistan don't have Kohli, Rohit. Now India will say we don't have Babar, Rizwan: Rashid Latif

India and Afghanistan locked horns with each other on Wednesday (November 3) in match 33 of the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE. In what was a must-win game for Team India, Virat Kohli &amp; Co. thrashed Mohammad Nabi-led Afghan line-up by 66 runs at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi.

Being asked to bat first, India rode on scintillating half-centuries from openers Rohit Sharma (74) and KL Rahul (69) as they posted 210-2 and, later, restricted Afghanistan to 144-7, courtesy Mohammed Shami's 3-fer and R Ashwin's 2 for 14. With this win, India remain alive in the semi-finals race, however, they need to win their remaining two games convincingly and also hope for other results to favour them in order to enter the last four.

Despite Team India's clinical performance, some Pakistani fans accused BCCI of fixing the India-Afghanistan tie. Moreover, the toss controversy erupted as a video surfaced where Nabi told Kohli that his side will bowl first on winning the toss, just a few moments before the coin toss.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-kl-rahul-or-pant-sehwag-suggests-who-should-be-indias-next-t20i-captain-after-virat-kohli-426929">Rohit, KL Rahul or Pant? Sehwag suggests who should be India's next T20I captain after Virat Kohli</a>

Former cricketers David Gower and Rashid Latif have now given an explanation, putting the conspiracy theories to bed. "To me, there's nothing to worry about," said Gower on&nbsp;Game on Hai&nbsp;show at&nbsp;PTV Sports, where he had other panelists in Rashid Latif and Umar Gul. "These things can become serious very quickly if you let them. But I am not the only person with an opinion in this room, I know that," he added.&nbsp;

To this, former Pakistan captain Latif asked Gul, "What did you see?" Gul said, "I think Nabi said we will bowl first. Latif&nbsp;then explained, "When a toss takes place between two captains, one captain tells the other what he wants to do," explained Latif. "So Nabi told Kohli 'we will bowl first'. However, later you have to say the same thing officially, so he repeated it."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/players-plays-the-game-religion-doesnt-former-pak-spinner-slams-trolls-for-targetting-shami-virat-kohli-426908">Players plays the game, religion doesn't: Former Pak spinner slams trolls for targetting Shami, Virat Kohli</a>

Talking about Kohli-led India, they need to win both their remaining games by huge margins -- versus Scotland and Namibia -- and hope for Afghanistan to beat New Zealand by a slender margin. The 2016 semi-finalists are already on the brink of an early elimination and need luck as well as some clinical performances to get their campaign back on track.

India and Afghanistan locked horns with each other on Wednesday (November 3) in match 33 of the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE. In what was a must-win game for Team India, Virat Kohli & Co.

India and Afghanistan locked horns with each other on Wednesday (November 3) in match 33 of the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE. In what was a must-win game for Team India, Virat Kohli & Co. thrashed Mohammad Nabi-led Afghan line-up by 66 runs at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi. Being asked to bat first, India rode on scintillating half-centuries from openers Rohit Sharma (74) and KL Rahul (69) as they posted 210-2 and, later, restricted Afghanistan to 144-7, courtesy Mohammed Shami's 3-fer and R Ashwin's 2 for 14. With this win, India remain alive in the semi-finals race, however, they need to win their remaining two games convincingly and also hope for other results to favour them in order to enter the last four. Despite Team India's clinical performance, some Pakistani fans accused BCCI of fixing the India-Afghanistan tie. Moreover, the toss controversy erupted as a video surfaced where Nabi told Kohli that his side will bowl first on winning the toss, just a few moments before the coin toss. ALSO READ | Rohit, KL Rahul or Pant? Sehwag suggests who should be India's next T20I captain after Virat Kohli Former cricketers David Gower and Rashid Latif have now given an explanation, putting the conspiracy theories to bed. "To me, there's nothing to worry about," said Gower on Game on Hai show at PTV Sports, where he had other panelists in Rashid Latif and Umar Gul. "These things can become serious very quickly if you let them. But I am not the only person with an opinion in this room, I know that," he added. To this, former Pakistan captain Latif asked Gul, "What did you see?" Gul said, "I think Nabi said we will bowl first. Latif then explained, "When a toss takes place between two captains, one captain tells the other what he wants to do," explained Latif. "So Nabi told Kohli 'we will bowl first'. However, later you have to say the same thing officially, so he repeated it." ALSO READ | Players plays the game, religion doesn't: Former Pak spinner slams trolls for targetting Shami, Virat Kohli Talking about Kohli-led India, they need to win both their remaining games by huge margins -- versus Scotland and Namibia -- and hope for Afghanistan to beat New Zealand by a slender margin. The 2016 semi-finalists are already on the brink of an early elimination and need luck as well as some clinical performances to get their campaign back on track.

David Gower, Rashid Latif shun claims after India-Afg toss controversy leads to fixing conspiracy at T20 WC

The whole cricketing fraternity is hooked onto the IPL 2021 edition at present. However, they are also eagerly waiting for the commencement of the forthcoming T20 World Cup, which will start soon after IPL 14's second and final leg -- i.e. on October 17.

The upcoming seventh edition was set to be held in Australia last year, however, the Covid-19 pandemic led to the tournament's postponement. This time around, the marquee event will be held in the UAE with as many as 16 teams participating in the showpiece tournament. Ahead of the T20 WC, former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Rashid Latif named his tournament-favourites and also opened up on Babar Azam-led Men in Green's chances.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dont-think-india-can-compete-with-pakistan-thats-why-they-dont-want-to-play-against-us-abdul-razzaq-418367">Don't think India can compete with Pakistan, that's why they don't want to play against us: Abdul Razzaq</a>

In an interview with PTI, Latif said: “India and England appear to be the most balanced sides in the tournament, while West Indies always remain a dangerous side." He further added, "I wouldn't write Pakistan off as if they click they could gain momentum and surprise many people."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/housefull-tickets-sold-out-for-india-pakistan-t20-world-cup-tie-as-marquee-clash-nears-418228">HOUSEFULL! Tickets sold out for India-Pakistan T20 World Cup tie as marquee clash nears</a>

In the last edition of the T20 WC, held in India, Daren Sammy-led West Indies had emerged on top to clinch their second title. Apart from the Windies, India, Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka have also tasted success once in the earlier editions.&nbsp;

The qualifying round of the T20 WC will start from October 17 whereas the main draw of the event will kick off from October 23. For the unversed, Australia, South Africa, England and West Indies are in Pool A whereas India, Pakistan, New Zealand and Afghanistan are placed in Pool B. Two teams, each, will join both the groups from the qualifiers.

The whole cricketing fraternity is hooked onto the IPL 2021 edition at present. However, they are also eagerly waiting for the commencement of the forthcoming T20 World Cup, which will start soon after IPL 14's second and final leg -- i.

The whole cricketing fraternity is hooked onto the IPL 2021 edition at present. However, they are also eagerly waiting for the commencement of the forthcoming T20 World Cup, which will start soon after IPL 14's second and final leg -- i.e. on October 17. The upcoming seventh edition was set to be held in Australia last year, however, the Covid-19 pandemic led to the tournament's postponement. This time around, the marquee event will be held in the UAE with as many as 16 teams participating in the showpiece tournament. Ahead of the T20 WC, former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Rashid Latif named his tournament-favourites and also opened up on Babar Azam-led Men in Green's chances. ALSO READ | Don't think India can compete with Pakistan, that's why they don't want to play against us: Abdul Razzaq In an interview with PTI, Latif said: “India and England appear to be the most balanced sides in the tournament, while West Indies always remain a dangerous side." He further added, "I wouldn't write Pakistan off as if they click they could gain momentum and surprise many people." ALSO READ | HOUSEFULL! Tickets sold out for India-Pakistan T20 World Cup tie as marquee clash nears In the last edition of the T20 WC, held in India, Daren Sammy-led West Indies had emerged on top to clinch their second title. Apart from the Windies, India, Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka have also tasted success once in the earlier editions. The qualifying round of the T20 WC will start from October 17 whereas the main draw of the event will kick off from October 23. For the unversed, Australia, South Africa, England and West Indies are in Pool A whereas India, Pakistan, New Zealand and Afghanistan are placed in Pool B. Two teams, each, will join both the groups from the qualifiers.

India and England most balanced: Former Pakistan captain names favourites for T20 World Cup 2021

Former Pakistan wicket-keeper and captain Rashid Latif, who has been pretty vocal against spot-fixing, has said cricket boards have always supported players accused of fixing while adding that players are mere pawns in the big game and are being utilized by the top board members. Latif further said the board has a larger role to play in fixing.&nbsp;

While it is unclear whether Latif’s comments were directed towards Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as they are in the headlines due to the ongoing Umar Akmal controversy. The PCB had charged Akmal with two breaches of Article 2.4.4 of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code in two unrelated incidents while suspending him before the start of Pakistan Super League.

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“The cricket boards have always given support to players accused of fixing. We always blame the players. Yes, they are involved in fixing. But are cricket authorities not to be blamed as well,” Rashid Latif said in a video on a Youtube channel ‘Caught Behind’.

Latif went on to claim that ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit ask the players to stay away from bookies but don’t take any concrete steps to stop it.

“I won’t completely blame a player for fixing. Players are just pawns, they are being utilised by the top board members. The board has a larger role to play in fixing,” he said.

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The former Pakistan international said if no board member is involved then they will always punish the guilty player but added that some members of the board who have been placed due to political influence are involved.

“If no member from the board is involved, then they will always punish a player. But the top officials of the boards, or some members of the boards who have been placed by political contacts, are somewhere involved, and hence, players always get protected,” he added.

“Every cricket board all over the world, have protected their players. Every country has protected their players who were found fixing matches. This is why the window of T20 cricket and franchise cricket had to be created to tell players that do whatever you want to do here, don’t do it in international cricket,” Latif went on to add.

Former Pakistan wicket-keeper and captain Rashid Latif, who has been pretty vocal against spot-fixing, has said cricket boards have always supported players accused of fixing while adding that players are mere pawns in the big game and are being utilized by the top board members.

Former Pakistan wicket-keeper and captain Rashid Latif, who has been pretty vocal against spot-fixing, has said cricket boards have always supported players accused of fixing while adding that players are mere pawns in the big game and are being utilized by the top board members. Latif further said the board has a larger role to play in fixing. While it is unclear whether Latif’s comments were directed towards Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as they are in the headlines due to the ongoing Umar Akmal controversy. The PCB had charged Akmal with two breaches of Article 2.4.4 of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code in two unrelated incidents while suspending him before the start of Pakistan Super League. ALSO READ: 'Won't let anyone suffer in tough times' - BCCI clears dues of contracted players without any pay cut “The cricket boards have always given support to players accused of fixing. We always blame the players. Yes, they are involved in fixing. But are cricket authorities not to be blamed as well,” Rashid Latif said in a video on a Youtube channel ‘Caught Behind’. Latif went on to claim that ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit ask the players to stay away from bookies but don’t take any concrete steps to stop it. “I won’t completely blame a player for fixing. Players are just pawns, they are being utilised by the top board members. The board has a larger role to play in fixing,” he said. ALSO READ: 'It might have been a factor for some' - Pat Cummins reverts to Michael Clarke's claims of Australia being 'scared' to sledge Virat Kohli The former Pakistan international said if no board member is involved then they will always punish the guilty player but added that some members of the board who have been placed due to political influence are involved. “If no member from the board is involved, then they will always punish a player. But the top officials of the boards, or some members of the boards who have been placed by political contacts, are somewhere involved, and hence, players always get protected,” he added. “Every cricket board all over the world, have protected their players. Every country has protected their players who were found fixing matches. This is why the window of T20 cricket and franchise cricket had to be created to tell players that do whatever you want to do here, don’t do it in international cricket,” Latif went on to add.

‘Players are just pawns’ - Former Pakistan skipper Rashid Latif says board members may be involved in fixing

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