Rashid Latif defends the BCCI against accusations of scheduling issues in the 2025 Champions Trophy, highlighting that the blame should extend to all cricket boards involved. He criticizes former England cricketers for their complaints, while the Indian team has mixed views on the perceived advantages of playing all matches in Dubai, with some players acknowledging the benefits of familiarity with the conditions.
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has openly defended the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) amid criticism regarding the 2025 Champions Trophy’s scheduling issues. He asserts that it is the remaining International Cricket Council (ICC) members who should be held accountable for what he designates as a significant oversight in organizing the tournament. Latif highlighted that India’s matches are set to occur in Dubai due to geopolitical constraints, an arrangement made clear by the ICC last December.
Following allegations that India gained an ‘undeniable advantage’ by hosting all of their matches at a single venue, Latif took to the YouTube program ‘Caught Behind’ to criticize former England cricketers for their involvement in this narrative. He questioned their motives, stating, “If we (Pakistan) are talking about India having an advantage, you get it. But why are former England cricketers whinging about it now?” His comments suggest disdain for outside parties criticizing India without acknowledging the collective responsibility for the scheduling mishap.
Latif conceded that the scheduling does possess faults, yet he insisted that the onus should not rest solely on the BCCI. He elaborated on how a scheduling error impeded the semifinal matchup and stressed that all cricket boards must conduct proper oversight when collaborating with the ICC. He stated, “You missed the mistake. Once you agreed, and now your team is out, you are whinging. All the representatives of the cricket boards are to blame.”
In contrast, the Indian team contends that they do not perceive an advantage in playing all their matches at one venue. Captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir dismissed claims of undue advantage, asserting that they had not practiced in identical conditions to those of the Dubai matches. Gambhir remarked, “Some people are just perpetual cribbers, man. They’ve got to grow up.”
However, some players, such as veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami, recognized that the familiarity with the pitch and conditions in Dubai did benefit the Indian team. He acknowledged, “It definitely helped us because we know the conditions and the behaviour of the pitch,” highlighting his team’s adaptability and knowledge as advantageous factors in their playoff successes.
In summary, Rashid Latif’s defense of the BCCI emphasizes the shared responsibility of all cricket boards in the flawed scheduling of the 2025 Champions Trophy. While the Indian team refutes claims of undue advantage, opinions among players vary, with some acknowledging the benefit of acclimatization to the Dubai conditions. This ongoing discourse underscores the complexities of international cricket’s administrative challenges and the differing perceptions among nations regarding advantageous circumstances during competitions.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
