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Pakistan To Boycott Champions Trophy? Ex-Skipper's Urge Amid Hybrid Model Fiasco

Rajgeeta Yadav

Champions Trophy in Kabul [Source: @MJalalAf/X.com]Champions Trophy in Kabul [Source: @MJalalAf/X.com]

Former Pakistan skipper Rashid Latif has made a bold call regarding the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He believes the tournament shouldn't take place at all and has urged Pakistan to boycott it before India refuses to participate. 

Latif, who has been changing his statements often, previously asked the ICC to move all tournaments scheduled in India and Pakistan to other locations.

The uncertainty over the Champions Trophy has been growing due to tensions between India and Pakistan. The ICC has managed to break the deadlock by introducing a "hybrid model" for the tournament.  This means that while the Men in Blue will play their matches in Dubai, tournaments in India until 2027 will follow a similar setup. 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had earlier refused to send their team to Pakistan because of government decisions, and Pakistan initially rejected India's request to play in the UAE. However, the ICC intervened, and the situation was resolved.

Latif believes that Pakistan should make a decision before India does. 

“Champions Trophy shouldn’t happen. You should say no before they refuse. ECB, ACP and ICC can’t fight with the BCCI. They have got a chance to push Pakistan. There is a fear that if India boycott us, where are we standing. We should look at that before taking any decision,” he said.

Hybrid Model For All ICC events In India and Pakistan Till 2027

As per the ICC's agreement, all major tournaments will follow the hybrid model until 2027. During this period, India will host the Women's ODI World Cup later this year and the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup alongside Sri Lanka.