Rashid Latif Asks BCCI, Indian Team Critics To Stop Whining On Dubai Advantage In Champions Trophy 2025

Rashid Latif has asked former England and foreign players to stop whining over the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 schedule that sees India playing all of its matches in Dubai. The tournament officially hosted by Pakistan is being played in hybrid mode, with India games being played in the UAE.

India did not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy due to geopolitical considerations. As a result, the International Cricket Council (ICC) declared in December that Dubai will host all India matches.

However, throughout the competition, which began more than two months ago, India was accused of having an 'undeniable edge' by playing all of their matches at the same venue.

Why are former England cricketers whining? Rashid Latif

On YouTube's 'Caught Behind', Latif launched a stinging attack on former England players Nasser Hussain, Michael Atherton, and David Lloyd for fueling the narrative against India and the BCCI.

"If we (Pakistan) are talking about India having an advantage, you get it. But why are former England cricketers whining about it now? Begaani shaadi mein abdullah deewana (They are trying to be overly involved in someone else's affairs)," he said.

Pakistan, Bangladesh, Australia, and New Zealand have traveled to Dubai to play India in the group stages and the semi-final, and now the final of the tournament.

There was a problem with scheduling: Rashid Latif admits

The former wicketkeeper-batsman conceded there was a scheduling issue, but refused to blame the BCCI solely for what he called a "blunder."

Rashid Latif criticized the remaining cricket boards for ignoring the error, telling them to quit complaining about spilled milk.

"Yes, there was a problem with scheduling. On Saturday, March 2nd, India played New Zealand in Dubai. If India had played that match a day earlier, when England played South Africa (on March 1st) in Karachi, then the semifinal lineup would have been decided easily. It was a blunder from the ICC and all the stakeholders. You have one job: to check the schedule, and you missed the mistake.

They should've cried foul play since the beginning, claims Latif

You are whining once you agreed, and now your team is out. All the representatives of the cricket boards are to blame. You should not go to the ICC meeting to have a good time. Do your job properly," he added.

"If India is getting all the support, but you all agreed to it, let's say we Pakistanis are making excuses because of jealousy, but the rest of the world should not moan about this issue. You all agreed to this schedule,” Rashid Latif concluded.

India will face New Zealand in the tournament's final on Sunday, March 9, 2025.

Also Read: India Accused Of Cheating In Champions Trophy 2025 Final Qualification By Ex-Pakistan Pacer