‘We have always been made scapegoats…they can’t fight against the BCCI’: Rashid Latif | Cricket News

The saga of hosting the Champions Trophy continues and takes a new turn every day. While it is understood this publication that India wants to play the marquee event in the Hybrid model, there has been backlash from former Pakan players about the decision.
“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 got the chance to push Pakan at the front. We have joined hands and are fighting against it, but the only fear is that if India boycotts, where do we stand,” former Pakan cricketer Rashid Latif said at an event when asked if Champions Trophy 2025 will be held at all.
“Before the BCCI takes this step, the PCB should take it. Champions Trophy shouldn’t happen anymore,” Latif added.
Ever since the Board of Control for Cricket in India communicated to the ICC that it has been denied permission its government to travel across the border for the Champions Trophy, the status of the tournament has been in limbo.
The PCB, headed its country’s interior miner Mohsin Naqvi, has been strong in its stance that it won’t accept a hybrid model that was used at last year’s Asia Cup. PCB wants the entire Champions Trophy to be played at Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi.
However, fresh tensions rising in Pakan, which led to Sri Lanka’s cricket board canceling it’s A team tour, is unlikely to help PCB’s stance during the meeting.
Pakani authorities arrested nearly 1,000 supporters of jailed former Prime Miner Imran Khan, the city’s police chief said on Wednesday.
Khan’s aides alleged hundreds had suffered gunshot wounds during chaotic scenes overnight in the heart of Islamabad, according to a Reuters report. Supporters of the former Pakan cricket team captain stormed the capital this week to demand his release.
According to those in the know, the ICC believes the hybrid model is the best way to ensure all parties are happy as it has little control over its member boards.