Rashid Latif Advocates for Aggressive Play in Champions Trophy

Islamabad, Jan 23 (NationPress) Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Rashid Latif has called on his team to concentrate on adopting an attacking style of cricket for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy next month.

Pakistan is set to host its first ICC event in 28 years, the last being the 1996 World Cup. However, only seven teams, including Pakistan, will compete within the country as India will conduct all its matches in Dubai.

Pakistan enters this prestigious tournament as the defending champions after defeating India in the finals of the 2017 edition. Latif believes that the home side should prioritize their preparations and not dwell on India's decision to not travel to Pakistan for the event.

“These are thrilling times for a nation passionate about cricket. The world's elite teams will be partaking in this grand event,” Rashid expressed to Pakistan's English Daily Dawn.

“I applaud the efforts of the Pakistan government and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for their unwavering advocacy with the International Cricket Council (ICC), securing Pakistan the chance to host this tournament. India will play in the UAE, and that is their affair; Pakistan should concentrate on playing aggressive cricket,” he added.

Latif expressed confidence in the prowess of Pakistan's spinners, which he believes will be advantageous in home conditions.

“I am confident our players will make the most of playing in home conditions. We have quality spinners like mystery bowler Abrar Ahmed, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Faisal Akram. Moreover, Salman Ali Agha is a significant asset,” he pointed out.

Meanwhile, the former cricketer shared his apprehensions regarding Pakistan's opening pair, as Saim Ayub is recovering from an ankle fracture sustained during the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town.

“I am concerned about Saim Ayub’s injury, and with Abdullah Shafique also out of form, we face a bit of a challenge,” he remarked. He noted that Pakistan has experimented with various opening combinations in recent years, including Abdullah, Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, and Shan Masood.

“While all of these players possess talent, identifying the right combination could prove to be challenging. I am uncertain about the selectors' thoughts, but they may consider Fakhar and Shan Masood as the opening pair. We’ll have to wait and see,” he commented.

Latif acknowledged India as a strong team, but also recognized England, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa as formidable opponents for Pakistan. “India is indeed a strong team, but I think these four teams could present a greater challenge,” he stated.

Pakistan will face New Zealand in the tournament opener in Karachi on February 19, while the highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals India is scheduled to take place in Dubai on February 23.