Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has proposed that the International Cricket Council (ICC) should revoke India and Pakistan’s hosting rights for global events from 2024 to 2031. His suggestion follows a dispute over the 2025 Champions Trophy, set to be hosted by Pakistan.

The conflict began when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refused to send Team India to Pakistan, citing security concerns. In response, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) rejected a proposed hybrid model where India would play its matches at a neutral venue. Instead, Pakistan insisted on hosting the entire tournament within its borders.

Latif, speaking to an Indian news channel, expressed his frustration, “My suggestion is that ICC should take away the hosting rights of all global events from India and Pakistan for the cycle of 2024-2031. ICC should tell these boards to first resolve all the issues and then we will give you the hosting rights.”

He pointed out that Pakistan is slated to host two ICC events, while India is expected to host four to five during this period. Latif argued that if both nations refuse to play in each other’s countries, neither should host global events.

The Hybrid Model Debate

Latif dismissed the hybrid model as a viable solution. Reports suggest alternative venues like Dubai or South Africa for India’s matches, but he questioned its legality.

“PCB is hosting the event because the ICC gave them the hosting rights. The BCCI agreed at that time,” reminded Latif. “There is nothing concrete about the hybrid model. Everything should happen as per the ICC rules, it is a legal document. One should follow it, there is nothing about the hybrid model in the agreement.”

“Don’t mix the bilateral series and ACC tournaments with this Champions Trophy. The hosting rights for this tournament were signed under the eight-year cycle agreement,” he said.

Latif emphasized that hosting agreements are legally binding under ICC’s eight-year cycle framework and shouldn’t be mixed with bilateral series or Asian Cricket Council (ACC) tournaments.

History of India-Pakistan Rivalry

Bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan has been absent for years due to political tensions. India last toured Pakistan in 2005-06, while Pakistan visited India in 2012-13 for a limited-overs series. Since then, the teams have only met in ICC events or Asia Cups.

Latif highlighted Pakistan’s adherence to ICC agreements, citing its participation in the 2016 T20 World Cup and 2023 ODI World Cup in India. He urged both boards to prioritize the legal framework over emotional or speculative decisions.

The Champions Trophy 2025 remains uncertain as the PCB awaits clarity from the ICC. For now, the India-Pakistan rivalry continues to unfold primarily in international tournaments, leaving fans yearning for bilateral series.

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