Islamabad: Former Pakistan cricket team captain Rashid Latif, amidst the chaos surrounding the Champions League, has made a statement, saying that the tournament should not happen anymore. Latif, during a recent event, has said that Pakistan must say no to the competition before BCCI takes any further steps.

He further added that such a step taken by PCB will send a big message to the cricketing community.

Read also: Messi And Ronaldo Miss Out On 2024 FIFPRO World XI

The Champions Trophy tournament was scheduled to take place in Pakistan, however, the situation got complicated when India refused to travel for their matches citing security concerns.

The ICC had suggested a hybrid solution that will see India play their matches in Dubai, however, nothing concrete has been announced yet.

“Champions Trophy shouldn’t happen anymore. You should say no before they refuse,” Latif said. “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 the chance to push Pakistan to the front. We have joined hands and are fighting against it, but the only fear is that if India boycotts, where do we stand.”

Amidst the turmoil, the sources said to IANS on Monday that the decision on next year’s marquee event is likely to be announced by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday.

The PCB had demanded a written assurance from the ICC on the hybrid model for future ICC (BCCI) communicated to the ICC that the Indian team would not travel to Pakistan abiding by the Government of India’s policy.

Amid the stand-off, PCB had agreed to accept the hybrid model for the Champions Trophy with India playing its matches in Dubai while the rest of the tournament will be staged in Pakistan.

Read also: Champions Trophy 2025 In Hybrid Model, Decision Finalized

However, if PCB decides to withdraw from the tournament, they could face revenue losses, lawsuits, and risk alienation from the cricket world.

A senior cricket administrator said to PTI on Wednesday that it would be an easy decision for the PCB to not play. “Pakistan has not only signed a host agreement with the ICC but like all other participating nations in the event it has also signed a mandatory members participation agreement (MPA) with the ICC,” the administrator explained.