“We have always been made scapegoats, be it Afghan war or cricket” - Former Pakistan captain’s stunning take on 2025 Champions Trophy
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif called on the side to boycott the 2025 Champions Trophy, which was scheduled to be played in Pakistan in February next year. The tournament is undergoing a scheduling fiasco with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and the International Cricket Council (ICC).
However, the BCCI confirmed India's refusal to travel to the country for the tournament, citing security reasons. It was followed by PCB's denial to accept the BCCI's proposed hybrid model before eventually succumbing, per recent reports.
Yet, the PCB has agreed only if a similar hybrid model is followed for all multi-national tournaments in India until 2031.
Talking about the prevailing scheduling issues of the 2025 Champions Trophy, Latif was quoted as saying by NDTV Sports:
"Champions Trophy shouldn't happen anymore. You should say no before they refuse. 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 the chance to push Pakistan to the front. We have joined hands and are fighting against it, but the only fear is that if India boycotts, where do we stand."
Pakistan won the last Champions Trophy in 2017, defeating India in the final by 180 runs at the Oval.
Meanwhile, the hybrid model was followed during last year's Asia Cup in Pakistan, with India playing their games in Sri Lanka.
When did the Indian men's team last play in Pakistan?
It has been over a decade and a half since the Indian Men's side last played an international game in Pakistan. One must go back to the 2008 Asia Cup when India defeated Sri Lanka in the final.
Team India's last full tour of Pakistan dates further back to 2005-06 when they played three Tests and five ODIs. The latest bilateral series between the sides happened in 2012/13 when Pakistan toured India for ODIs and T20Is.
However, the arch-rivals have met routinely in Asia Cups, ICC events, and other multi-national tournaments over the years.
Their latest meeting came during the 2024 T20 World Cup in New York, with India pulling off a thrilling six-run victory.