'Don't play against us at all': Ex-Pakistan Batter Threatens BCCI, Dares PCB To Cut Ties With Board

In the midst of an active tussle between PCB and BCCI over matters related to Team India's participation in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, a former Pakistan cricketer has come up with a stern opinion. According to the ex-wicket-keeper Rashid Latif, Pakistan should not endorse the idea of playing cricket with India, and had he been calling the shots then a "strong" step would have been enforced.

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Former PAK Cricketer Suggests PCB To Take Aggressive Route Against BCCI

As BCCI and PCB are heading toward an impasse over the upcoming ICT, varied opinions from both sides of the Radcliff line are flowing and filling the surface. From the talks of adopting a hybrid model to handing Team India the provision to fly back home after playing the match in Pakistan, several options have been contemplated. However, as reaching a middle ground seems unlikely, former PAK batter Rashid Latif has suggested his board to take the aggressive route. As per him, PCB should cut ties with BCCI, and not play cricket with India as long as they are unwilling to travel to Pakistan and play cricket there.

"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, known for his plain speak, told PTI Videos.

Latif further stated that he would have pressed the button had he been a decision-maker.

"If I would have been there, I would have taken this decision, and fought against the BCCI." He suggested that the ICC should also stop giving major tournaments to both India and Pakistan till 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.

"Why aren't India and Pakistan getting banned? Because, ICC has a lot of stake on them," he said.

"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 is 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.