Rashid Latif defends BCCI amid criticism over 2025 Champions Trophy scheduling, asserting that ICC representatives share the blame for the scheduling blunder. He questions the involvement of former England cricketers in criticizing India while Indian players express differing opinions on the advantage of playing at a single venue.
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has come forward to support the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) amid criticism regarding the scheduling of the 2025 Champions Trophy. He attributed the scheduling chaos to the International Cricket Council (ICC), asserting that the decision-making flaws among ICC representatives led to the situation. The BCCI faces scrutiny for the alleged advantage gained from playing all matches in a single venue, due to geopolitical factors preventing India from traveling to Pakistan.
Latif, during his remarks on the YouTube show ‘Caught Behind’, criticized former England cricketers Nasser Hussain, Michael Atherton, and David Lloyd for their negative remarks regarding India’s supposed advantage. He argued that while Pakistan acknowledges the advantage, he questions why England’s former players are involved in criticizing the situation: “They are trying to be overly involved in someone else’s affairs,” he stated.
Addressing the scheduling issues, Latif acknowledged a blunder but refrained from placing sole blame on the BCCI. He emphasized that all cricket boards share responsibility for the oversight, stating, “You have one job: to check the schedule, and you missed the mistake.” Latif encouraged ICC representatives to take their responsibilities seriously rather than merely participating in meetings without due diligence.
On the matter of India’s perspective regarding the Dubai arrangements, Indian players presented differing views. Captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir dismissed accusations of any undue advantage, stating that they had not practiced at the venue before the tournament. Gambhir remarked, “Some people are just perpetual cribbers,” while emphasizing the significant differences between conditions at ICC Academy and the match venue.
Conversely, veteran bowler Mohammed Shami acknowledged that playing all matches at one venue indeed conferred benefits. He noted, “It is a plus point that you are playing all the matches at one venue,” reflecting the competitive edge gained from familiarity with the conditions.
In summary, Rashid Latif’s defense of the BCCI amidst the Champions Trophy scheduling controversy highlights the shared responsibility among cricketing boards, emphasizing the importance of diligence in scheduling decisions. While Indian players assert there is no undue advantage, opinions within the team reflect a nuanced understanding of the benefits of playing in a familiar environment. Ultimately, the situation underscores the complexities of cricket governance and international relations in sports.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
