Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif expressed optimism about the possibility of India visiting Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 after the election of Jay Shah as the new Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled in the February-March window, will be hosted by Pakistan. However, India’s participation in the tournament is still uncertain due to the political tensions between the neighbouring countries.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) representatives, on numerous occasions, said the Federal government will decide to send their national men’s team to Pakistan.
Meanwhile, on 27 August, Jay Shah, who was serving as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary, was elected unopposed as the ICC Chairman.
During a discussion on his YouTube channel, Rashid Latif mentioned that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chose not to challenge Shah’s election, which seems like a deliberate strategy to ensure India’s visit to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.
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“PCB has not opposed Shah’s appointment for a reason. I think there’s an understanding. If India’s team comes, it will be because of Jay Shah’s efforts, along with support from their government,” Rashid said.
“Approval has already been halfway granted. India is coming to Pakistan,” the former captain predicted.
Remember, reports emerged in Indian media, citing a source from the BCCI, that the Indian team will not be visiting Pakistan for the upcoming ICC event.
Further reports claimed that the board has formally proposed Dubai and Sri Lanka as potential venues for hosting India’s matches.
Previously, India refused to travel to Pakistan to participate in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2023. As a result, the continental event was held in a hybrid model with Sri Lanka stepping in as a co-host.
It is worth noting that India has not travelled to Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2008 due to the long-standing political tensions between the two neighbouring countries.
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