Former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif has raised concerns over India’s potential decision to boycott the Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year. He believes that refusing to participate in an ICC event could have severe consequences for the Indian team.
Latif emphasized that teams are obligated to fulfill their commitments to ICC events, as they are aware of the tournament schedule and venues when signing contracts. He cited the example of the 1996 World Cup, where Australia and West Indies’ refusal to travel to Sri Lanka resulted in a significant change in the tournament format and Sri Lanka’s eventual victory.
“If India or Pakistan has signed in, they will have to go for that event,” Latif said. “If any circumstances occur on a government level, then you have to provide a logical answer as to why not coming.”
Sources have indicated that Team India may not participate in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan due to security concerns. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed a hybrid model, with India’s qualifying round matches being held in a single city. However, Latif believes that refusing an ICC event could backfire on India.
“In my opinion, refusing an ICC event can backfire,” he said. “You can refuse the bilateral series citing the conditions in Pakistan are not right etc etc… But it will be tough to refuse ICC events.”
The PCB has selected Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore as the tournament venues, with Lahore hosting the final match. The ICC is expected to make a decision on the venue and format of the Champions Trophy in the coming weeks.
