NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan captain
Rashid Latif
recently made a big statement regarding the 2025 Champions Trophy, suggesting that Pakistan should consider boycotting the ICC event before the Indian cricket board -- BCCI -- takes any further step.
Latif believes such a move would send a strong message to the cricketing fraternity about fair play and equality.
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His remarks have added another layer to the ongoing Champions Trophy deadlock between the neighboring cricketing giants India and Pakistan.
"Pakistan should boycott the Champions Trophy now. Before the BCCI takes this step,
PCB
should take it. Champions Trophy shouldn’t happen anymore,” Latif said while speaking at an event.
"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 got the chance to push Pakistan at the front. We have joined hands and are fighting against it, but the only fear is that if India boycotts, where do we stand," Latif further remarked.
Earlier, the BCCI firmly rejected PCB's conditional acceptance of a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy scheduled for February-March 2025, as reported in 'The Telegraph'.
This development has created a new stalemate in the organisation of the prestigious tournament.
PCB had recently accepted a compromise solution of hosting the tournament in a hybrid format, following a prolonged stalemate. This arrangement would have permitted India to compete at a neutral venue, given their unwillingness to visit Pakistan citing security concerns.
However, PCB's stipulation to the ICC that Pakistan would similarly decline to participate in future BCCI-hosted tournaments in India has sparked fresh tensions between the cricket boards.
According to reports from The Telegraph, the BCCI has firmly communicated its stance to ICC officials, resulting in a new deadlock.
"The BCCI's contention is simple — there is no security threat in India and hence no question of accepting such an arrangement," the report stated.
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India will be the venue for the Women's ODI World Cup in the coming year, whilst also co-hosting the T20 World Cup in 2026 with Sri Lanka. Additionally, the country will host both the 2029 Champions Trophy and the 2031 ODI World Cup.
The ICC board convened virtually last Friday, but the session lasted merely 15 minutes as PCB initially declined the hybrid model. They subsequently accepted the proposal, fearing potential tournament relocation, but stipulated they would not participate in matches held in India going forward.
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