In a video going viral on social media, former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif had revealed that he possesses connections with terrorist and gangster Dawood Ibrahim. The video has gone viral amid the BCCI objecting to send the Indian men’s team for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, scheduled to be played in February 2025.
In a Pakistani YouTube show ‘Caught Behind’, speaking to the host, Nauman Niaz, Rashid Latif said, “What do you think, whom are you messing with, we live near Bhai’s house.” Latif lives in Karachi, the same city where fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim is reported to be living, under the protection of Pakistan intelligence agency ISI.
The remarks have drawn widespread criticism on social media, especially as Latif suggested India should play the Champions Trophy 2025 semifinals in Karachi, further adding fuel to the fire.
Pakistan ex-cricketer Rashid Latif bragging about his connections with most wanted terrorist Dawood Ibrahim:
Says "whom are you messing with?" I stay near Bhai's house (ref to Dawood staying in Karachi)
And he wants India to play Champions Trophy SF in Karachi. pic.twitter.com/tDnTELRJDo
— Johns (@JohnyBravo183) December 2, 2024
Dawood Ibrahim is India’s most wanted criminal accused of the ghastly 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts that left 257 dead and over 1,400 injured.
Notably, Latif’s latest remarks come in the wake of the Champions Trophy 2025 stalemate between BCCI and PCB over where to organise the India matches.
In the first week of November, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) formally communicated to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that the Indian cricket team won’t be travelling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy scheduled to take place next year. The BCCI cited security concerns as its reason for not sending the cricket team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.
Additionally, the BCCI also expressed its desire to organise all India’s matches in a neutral venue, preferably Dubai. Since the ICC designated Pakistan as the host for the 2025 Champions Trophy, there have been doubts about India’s involvement due to ongoing diplomatic tensions between the neighbouring nations. Now, reports claim the PCB is nearing giving its nod for a hybrid model with a few conditions.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi was earlier standing still on his decision as he did not accept the hybrid model for Champions Trophy, but in a recent chat with the media he hinted that he would agree for the hybrid model.
However, this is not the first time Rashid Latif has made such controversial remarks.
In another old video doing rounds on social media, Latif could be heard saying how most of the monuments extant in India were built by his ancestors, that there were “14 dons” in India, all belonging to his community, and that he should not be compelled to become another don.
The mega tournament is supposed to start from February 2025 and the International Cricket Council (ICC) is yet to announce the schedule for the marquee event.
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