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PCB has written to the ICC asking for written confirmation from the BCCI of India’s inability to travel to Pakistan for the tournament.
India is unwilling to travel to Pakistan for ICC Champions Trophy
The drama surrounding the ICC Champions Trophy has intensified after the BCCI’s refusal to travel to Pakistan was conveyed to the PCB. While the hosts are considering their next step, some media reports have stated that the entire tournament could be moved out of Pakistan.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has written to the International Cricket Council (ICC) asking for written confirmation from the BCCI of India’s inability to travel to Pakistan for the tournament. Meanwhile, the country’s cricket fraternity has reacted strongly to India’s denial.
Former wicket-keeper batter Rashid Latif says if he had the power, he would not let Pakistan play against India in any tournament. Speaking to PTI, he suggested that the ICC should not grant hosting rights for global events to either country until they resolve their issues.
“There’s a big possibility that Pakistan can stop playing cricket against India. Had I been in power, then, yes, I may have taken this strong step. I would not blame anyone for this. If you don’t want to play (in Pakistan), then don’t play against us (at all),” Latif said, as quoted by PTI.
“If I would have been there, I would have taken this decision, and fought against the BCCI,” he added.
Latif suggested that the ICC should also stop giving major tournaments to both India and Pakistan until issues are resolved.
“In my opinion, ICC should withhold the hosting rights for both countries until these issues between them are resolved; until their problems are settled,” said the former wicketkeeper-batter, who played 37 Tests and 166 ODIs.
The former cricketer criticised the BCCI’s stance regarding security concerns for the Indian team in Pakistan, saying the ICC’s security team had assessed his country and deemed it safe.
“This is the first time, I would say, the BCCI is at fault. The reason they are stating is very weak. It has to be in writing that the BCCI and the Indian cricket team are feeling threatened. The ICC security team came here and gave the green light for the tournament. If you had issues, you could have reported to them,” he said.
On whether Pakistan will withdraw from the Champions Trophy if the tournament is shifted elsewhere, the veteran said, “Nobody has seen it on paper. It has to be written down on a piece of paper. We had a word with the PCB (and) they said they have sent an email to the Pakistan government regarding this. This is a serious legal issue, nobody is willing to give it in writing.”
(With Agency Inputs)
