ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Rashid Latif takes shot at India, urges Pakistan to focus on playing 'attacking cricket'

Former cricketer Rashid Latif has urged the Pakistan team to only focus on the ICC Champions Trophy and not on India's decision to play all of their games in the UAE.

While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had the hosting rights for the competition, the ICC had to come up with a hybrid model after India refused to travel to Pakistan citing security reasons. As a result, the UAE was picked as a neutral venue and India would be playing all of their games in the Middle Eastern country.

The PCB could also lose the hosting rights for the final if India make it to the title decider. While the final is likely to be played in Lahore, the venue could be shifted to Dubai if India qualify. Amidst all these, Rashid Latif has urged the Men in Green to focus only on the tournament.

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With Pakistan gearing up to host an ICC event for the first time since 1996, the Pakistan great stated that 'these are exciting times' for the nation. He also praised the PCB for their effort to ensure that the tournament takes place in Pakistan.

"These are exciting times for a cricket-crazy nation. The world's top teams will be participating in this mega event," Rashid told Pakistan English Daily Dawn.

"I commend the efforts of the Pakistan government and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for their relentless lobbying with the International Cricket Council (ICC), ensuring that Pakistan gets the opportunity to host this tournament. India will play their matches in the UAE, and that is their business; Pakistan should focus solely on playing attacking cricket," he added.

Rashid Latif confident of a good show from Pakistan:

Speaking further, Rashid Latif said that he is confident of Pakistan making the most of home conditions in the Champions Trophy. The former wicketkeeper said that Pakistan have a formidable spin attack as he backed the hosts to do well in the marquee event.

"I am confident that our players will seize the opportunity to play in home conditions. We have quality spinners like mystery bowler Abrar Ahmed, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Faisal Akram. Additionally, Salman Ali Agha is a valuable asset," he said.

Latif also called India a "strong team" but did not label them as Pakistan's biggest challengers. He stated that the likes of England, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa would pose a bigger challenge for the Mohammad Rizwan-led side in the Champions Trophy.

"India is a strong team, but I believe these four teams could pose a greater challenge," he said.

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Meanwhile, Pakistan will be taking on New Zealand in the Champions Trophy opener. The match will be played on February 19 in Karachi. Four days later, Pakistan will be locking horns against India in Dubai. Pakistan are the defending champions and will be looking to become only the second team after Australia to defend the title.