Pakistan is gearing up to welcome the return of big-ticket cricket to the country, when the ICC Champions Trophy begins on February 19, and former Pakistan wicketkeeper Rashid Latif has advised the team to take an aggressive approach to do well in the tournament.
“I commend the efforts of the Pakistan government and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for their relentless lobbying with the International Cricket Council (ICC), ensuring that Pakistan gets the opportunity to host this tournament. India will play their matches in the UAE, and that is their business; Pakistan should focus solely on playing attacking cricket,” Latif told Pakistan English daily ‘Dawn’.
After a 28-year interval since hosting the 1996 World Cup, Pakistan is set to organise another ICC event. The tournament will feature eight teams, though only seven teams, including Pakistan, will compete within the country, as India’s matches are scheduled to take place in Dubai.
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India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan led to the tournament being played in a hybrid format. The two teams will face-off in the high-octane clash on February 23 in Dubai.
Latif said Team India is a “strong” contender to win the trophy.
“India is a strong team, but I believe these four teams (England, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa ) could pose a greater challenge,” he said.
Pakistan’s opening match of the tournament is scheduled against New Zealand in Karachi on February 19.
Latif said Pakistan spinners should hold them in good stead but expressed concerns over the injury of Saim Ayub, which makes his availability for the tournament doubtful.
“I am confident that our players will seize the opportunity to play in home conditions. We have quality spinners like mystery bowler Abrar Ahmed, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Faisal Akram. Additionally, Salman Ali Agha is a valuable asset,” he said.
“I am worried about Saim Ayub’s injury, and with Abdullah Shafique also out of form, we are left in a bit of a dilemma,” he said.
The other openers in the fray are Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman and Shan Masood.
“While all of these players are talented, finding the right combination could be a challenge. I am unsure what the selectors are thinking, but perhaps they will opt for Fakhar and Shan Masood as the opening pair. We’ll have to wait and see,” he concluded.