'It will be tough to refuse ICC events': Rashid Latif warns India amid doubts over visit to Pakistan for Champions Trophy

(Inputs from IANS)

NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif has stated that India will need to provide a "logical answer" to the ICC if they choose not to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy next year.He believes that refusing to participate in an ICC event can have negative consequences for the team.Sources have indicated that Team India may not take part in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, with discussions about potentially changing the venue or adopting a hybrid model."You can refuse the bilateral series. But it will be tough to refuse ICC events. When ICC chalk out its plan, the teams know where they have to play, like Pakistan knew that they have to go to India to play the World Cup, and contracts are signed accordingly for cricket boards," Latif said.He further added, "It seems a bit tough to refuse ICC events... In the 1996 World Cup, Australia and West Indies refused to go to Sri Lanka and the entire group changed and Sri Lanka became the champion. This was a very big mistake... If India or Pakistan has signed in, they will have to go for that event. If any circumstances occur on a government level, then you have to provide a logical answer as to why not coming. You can refuse the bilateral series citing the conditions in Pakistan are not right etc etc... In my opinion, refusing an ICC event can backfire."According to reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board has suggested to the ICC that India's qualifying round matches during the Champions Trophy be held in a single city. The PCB has selected Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore as the tournament venues, with Lahore hosting the final match.