Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has made a bold recommendation amid the growing dispute between Pakistan and India over the hosting rights for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
Latif has called on the International Cricket Council (ICC) to revoke the hosting rights for both countries for all global events in the upcoming cycle if they fail to resolve their ongoing issues.
Speaking to a private news channel, Latif expressed his frustration over the current deadlock, suggesting, “My recommendation is for the ICC to strip India and Pakistan of their hosting rights for the 2024-2025 cycle. The ICC should first require both boards to resolve their differences before granting them hosting rights.”
Latif emphasized the importance of a firm stance, adding, “Pakistan is set to host two ICC events, while India will have four or five during this period. If these two teams refuse to play in each other’s countries, then the hosting rights should be taken away until they settle their differences.”
The dispute centers around India’s refusal to play in Pakistan, citing security concerns. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has rejected a proposed hybrid model, where India would play its matches at a neutral venue, insisting that the tournament should be hosted entirely in Pakistan as per the original agreement.
The PCB has formally challenged the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) stance, seeking clarification from the ICC and demanding that the agreed hosting conditions be respected.
Latif has dismissed the hybrid model as impractical, stating, “The PCB is hosting the event according to the ICC agreement. There is nothing concrete about the hybrid model. Everything must adhere to ICC rules. This isn’t about bilateral series or ACC tournaments.”
The cricket rivalry between Pakistan and India has been limited to ICC events and the Asia Cup since bilateral series between the two countries ended in 2012-13. Despite tense relations, Pakistan has honored its ICC commitments by touring India for the 2016 T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup.
The situation has placed the ICC in a difficult position, with broadcasters urging clarity due to the financial consequences of the tournament not proceeding as planned. The lack of a match between Pakistan and India could have significant commercial impacts.
With the Champions Trophy less than three months away, the cricket world is closely watching the developments, as the fate of the tournament and the future of cricket diplomacy remain uncertain.
