With India’s participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan still uncertain, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif made a bold statement, suggesting Pakistan may boycott the tournament if India refuses to travel. According to reports, India might opt for a hybrid model for the event, held in February-March 2025.
Latif emphasized India’s commitment to the ICC events, saying, “This is an ICC event. The cycle has been signed from 2024-2031. All the broadcasters and sponsors have signed about the teams that will participate in the Champions Trophy or the World Cup,” he said during a Geo News show.
He recalled that unless there’s a valid reason, teams are expected to participate. “In 1996, West Indies and Australia missed games in Sri Lanka but still made the finals. Security concerns alone are not enough when teams like Australia, New Zealand, and England are playing in Pakistan,” he noted.
Latif argued that the ICC relies heavily on the India-Pakistan rivalry, suggesting that if Pakistan also withdraws, the ICC would lose its audience appeal. “ICC is existing only because there is Pakistan and India. If the government of Pakistan also says that we won’t play, then the ICC will be of no use as no one will watch the match,” he said.
He further asserted, “India has to make solid ground. If India doesn’t come, Pakistan will take a big step by not participating in the tournament.”
India’s last tour to Pakistan was for the 2008 Asia Cup, where they were defeated by Sri Lanka in the final at the National Stadium in Karachi.