Jay Shah will force India to visit Pakistan for ICC Champions Trophy 2025!! Pakistan legend makes absurd claims

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has predicted that the Indian cricket team will visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025, set to be played in February or March.

Rashid Latif's comments came after Jay Shah's unopposed election as the next International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman.

Jay Shah's appointment as ICC chairman raised concerns about whether India would travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.

Jay Shah's appointment to come into effect from December 01, 2024

Jay Shah has been elected as the ICC chairman but his office will function from December 01, 2024.

The Men in Blue's participation remains uncertain, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is still waiting for government approval to send the Indian team.

The India national cricket team last visited Pakistan in 2008 for the Asia Cup. Since then, political tensions and safety concerns have prevented any further series between the two nations.

The ongoing geopolitical issues and security risks have kept India from touring the neighboring country.

India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2013. However, the two teams have competed in ICC or ACC tournaments at neutral venues or in India.

The last time Pakistan visited India was for the ODI World Cup 2023, where the Men in Green failed to advance to the semi-finals of the event.

Approval Has Already Been Halfway Granted - Rashid Latif

Rashid Latif said that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) did not oppose Jay Shah's appointment due to India's participation in the Champions Trophy 2025.

Latif added that there is an understanding between the PCB and the BCCI regarding the upcoming mega cricket event.

"PCB has not opposed Shah's appointment for a reason. I think there's an understanding. If India's team comes, it will be because of Jay Shah’s efforts, along with support from their government," Rashid Latif was quoted as saying by The Sporting News.

The 55-year-old also stated that approval for India's participation in the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan is already halfway granted. He confidently asserted that India would come to Pakistan for the tournament.

"Approval has already been halfway granted. India is coming to Pakistan," the former wicketkeeper-batter said.

The Champions Trophy will be the first ICC tournament hosted by Pakistan since the 1996 ODI World Cup, which Pakistan co-hosted with India and Sri Lanka.

India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, England, and Afghanistan will feature in the upcoming ICC tournament.

Recent reports from Indian media suggest that the Indian national cricket team will not travel to Pakistan for the upcoming ICC event.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has reportedly proposed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Sri Lanka as alternative venues for Team India's matches.

The Men in Blue previously refused to travel to Pakistan for the Men’s Asia Cup 2023. The Pakistan Cricket Board had to host the multinational tournament in a hybrid format.

Sri Lanka hosted all of India's matches in the Asia Cup. The final match was also played in Colombo, where India secured a win.

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