Amid growing tensions in international cricket, former Pakistan cricket captains Shahid Afridi and Rashid Latif have voiced their concerns over the ongoing controversy surrounding the Champions Trophy. Both legends have called for the separation of politics from the game to safeguard cricket’s integrity and ensure its future growth on the global stage.
Afridi has publicly supported the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) hybrid model in the face of increasing political interference, while Latif believes that this moment could mark a turning point for cricket worldwide.
Afridi criticized the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for blending politics with sports, leading to uncertainty in the game. He highlighted that despite security concerns, Pakistan’s cricket team has toured India five times, including for white-ball series, and now the International Cricket Council (ICC) must work with its Board of Directors to protect cricket’s reputation.
Meanwhile, Rashid Latif expressed that the upcoming Friday could prove to be a milestone for cricket, signaling the potential start of a new era in global cricket.
Their statements reflect a growing desire among Pakistani cricket greats to protect the game from political interference and ensure its continued prosperity on the international stage.