Rashid Latif Discusses ICC's Neutral Venue Strategy for India-Pak Matches
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New Delhi, Dec 20 (NationPress) Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Rashid Latif shared his perspective on the upcoming India-Pakistan matches at ICC events, which are now set to take place at neutral venues. He argued that this decision should have been made after the 2017 Champions Trophy. Latif also noted that the ICC is currently working on a strategy intended to benefit both nations.
The executive board of the International Cricket Council confirmed on Thursday that matches between India and Pakistan will be conducted at neutral venues in upcoming ICC events until 2027, including the Champions Trophy 2025.
"This agreement should have been reached after the 2017 Champions Trophy, as per ICC regulations, given that Pakistan visited India in 2016. In 2023, Pakistan also traveled to India for the ODI World Cup. We aspire for both nations to visit each other and play. The 2023 Asia Cup was hosted elsewhere, effectively preventing us from competing directly. Pakistan has visited India twice already, so many in Pakistan feel that India should reciprocate," Latif remarked to IANS.
"However, the current agreement is a long-term solution, ensuring that India and Pakistan will face off at neutral venues. To support this, they must have formalized arrangements with the ICC and board members. Historically, India has held a dominant position and achieved its objectives. Pakistan sought to host the Champions Trophy in their homeland, which was a reasonable request. Ultimately, the outcome should favor cricket, not just India or Pakistan," he added.
The seasoned 56-year-old cricketer emphasized the necessity to move beyond the narrative of India winning and Pakistan losing, stating that hosting matches at neutral venues is financially detrimental to both countries.
This neutral venue policy will also extend to the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 (to be held in India) and the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 (jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka).
Furthermore, it will apply to the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2028, which will be hosted by Pakistan.
"The discourse will always be centered around India winning and Pakistan losing. We need to transcend this narrative, ensuring that all events are conducted on an equitable basis. The absence of direct matches is financially damaging for both teams, and a workable formula is being developed for this. Once finalized, I will gladly share the details," he stated.
Due to ongoing political tensions, India and Pakistan only compete in international tournaments such as the World Cups and Asia Cup. The most recent bilateral series occurred in 2012-13, when Pakistan toured India for a five-match white-ball series.
