Rashid Latif Urges ICC to Revoke Hosting Rights for India and Pakistan Amid Champions Trophy Dispute

The ongoing dispute between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) continues to escalate, with tensions surrounding India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy.

The BCCI made its position clear to the International Cricket Council (ICC), stating that India would not be touring Pakistan for the upcoming tournament. In response, the PCB has sought clarification from the ICC regarding the reasons behind India’s decision.

Rashid Latif Calls for ICC to Revoke Hosting Rights for India and Pakistan

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif offered his perspective on the matter suggesting that the ICC should revoke the hosting rights for global events from both India and Pakistan until 2031, emphasizing that the two boards must resolve their issues before being given the privilege of hosting major tournaments.

“My suggestion is that ICC should take away the hosting rights of all global events from India and Pakistan for the 2024-2031 cycle. The boards must first address their issues before being awarded hosting rights,” Latif remarked.

Latif’s proposal stems from the fact that both countries are slated to host significant ICC events during this period. Pakistan is set to host two events, while India is scheduled to host four to five.

Given the ongoing tensions, Latif argues that it is only fair for the ICC to withhold these hosting rights if both countries refuse to engage in bilateral series. “If India and Pakistan don’t want to play in each other’s country, the ICC should take away the hosting rights,” he added.

Latif Questions Security Concerns Over India’s Refusal to Tour Pakistan

One of the points Latif raised was the issue of security concerns, which the BCCI has cited as the primary reason for its refusal to tour Pakistan. According to Latif, this is premature because the security process has not yet been initiated.

“How can there be security concerns when the ICC delegation has not even visited Pakistan yet to assess the situation? The process has not been completed, so how can India refuse based on security?” Latif questioned.

He also highlighted that both India and Pakistan had signed an agreement with the ICC regarding the eight-year cycle of hosting rights, which includes their participation in the Champions Trophy. Despite the ongoing tensions, Latif is optimistic that India will eventually agree to tour Pakistan for the tournament.

Latif Rejects Hybrid Model for Champions Trophy, Emphasizes ICC Agreement

He expressed confidence that the Champions Trophy would take place in Pakistan as planned, and that the ICC would make the final decision. “The tournament will happen in Pakistan. I am confident that India will come to Pakistan. The ICC has not made a decision yet, but I believe it will work out,” Latif stated.

Latif also emphasized that the decision about the Champions Trophy ultimately lies with the ICC, not with the individual boards. He stated that the ICC is the governing body, and it was responsible for the agreements made between the two boards.

“The PCB and BCCI are not the primary decision-makers in this situation. The ICC is the apex body, and it is they who made the agreement. Both boards have signed it, and it is up to the ICC to enforce it,” Latif explained.

In response to suggestions that the tournament could proceed with a “hybrid model,” where India’s matches would be played at a neutral venue, Latif dismissed the idea. The hybrid model, which would see India play its matches at a different venue, has been suggested by some as a solution if the political standoff continues.

ICC’s Role Critical in Resolving India-Pakistan Cricket Standoff

However, Latif firmly rejected this notion, stating that the tournament should adhere to the original agreements made under the ICC rules. “The hosting rights for the Champions Trophy were signed under the eight-year cycle agreement. There is nothing in the agreement about a hybrid model. This is not about emotions; it is about following legal documents,” he said.

He also pointed out that Pakistan had adhered to the ICC agreements in the past, having toured India for the 2016 T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup, despite tensions between the two nations.

“Pakistan has followed the ICC’s legal documents in the past. We toured India for the 2016 T20 World Cup and the 2023 World Cup. This is about legalities, not emotions,” Latif reiterated.

The Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held from February 19 to March 9, 2025, in Pakistan, with matches set to take place in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. The eight-team tournament will feature Pakistan, India, South Africa, England, Australia, New Zealand, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.

Latif’s comments underline the growing frustration surrounding the ongoing deadlock between the two cricket boards and their inability to resolve their differences. As the tournament draws closer, the ICC’s role in mediating the dispute and ensuring that the Champions Trophy proceeds smoothly remains crucial.