Would have been great to see some Indian players in the World XI side: Rashid Latif

The Independence Cup involving the World XI and the Pakistan national team in the lovely country of Pakistan has been a successful and an incredible series so far. Both the games have been a run-fest, full of entertainment and a delight for all the millions of cricket lovers. It was a great opportunity for the Pakistani crowds to be part of an international game after a span of almost 8 long years. Amidst the big occasion and development, Rashid Latif expressed his views on the World XI tour and other future bilateral series in the nation.

Latif termed the Independence Cup as a “very important” and a major step taken by the ICC and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to bring Pakistan back as a host on the map. Though Zimbabwe had also toured the country for a short series in 2015, this World XI tour is much bigger. The former Pakistan skipper also stated that it would be have been nice if some Indian cricketers were a part of the visiting team, in order to support the noble cause.

“These three T20s between World XI and Pakistan are very important in the context of Pakistan cricket. Zimbabwe had toured two years ago, but the ICC is involved in this, with some top cricketers from almost all Test-playing nations participating. It would have been great to see two-three Indian players in the World XI, but this is the first step towards normality with regard to international cricket in Pakistan,” said Latif in a conversation with the Indian Express.

It is a step by step progress

The former Pakistani wicketkeeper stated that every drastic progress requires sufficient time for better results and complete improvisation. He also agreed that it would still take time for the other teams to visit Pakistan for a full bilateral series.

“Sri Lanka are coming here in October followed by the West Indies in next month. See, this is a step by step progress. First, we had the Pakistan Super League final (earlier this year). Now three T20s are being played. Maybe, the next step is to include an ODI with three T20 internationals. Then you incorporate a Test on the roster. But it will take time. I think at the moment a full series of three T20s, three ODIs and three Tests could be a little difficult. With the gradual increase in the confidence level of international players, we will move towards a full series,” the former skipper added.

ICC is earning big

The arch-rivals India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since a long time now. The two strong cricketing nations lock horns only in the major ICC events.

“Now all the money from India-Pakistan fixtures is going to the ICC. The India-Pakistan matches at the ICC events are the biggest reasons for the global body’s $2.2 billion profit (over an eight-year cycle). If the bilateral series resumes, the two cricket boards would be the biggest gainers. Money would come to the BCCI and the PCB coffers, rather than the ICC showcasing the India-Pakistan ties and profiting substantially from cricket’s biggest rivalry. India and Pakistan not playing against each other is benefiting the ICC,” concluded Latif.