'Begani Shaadi Mein Abdullah Deewana': Rashid Latif slams England legends crying India advantage in Champions Trophy

Former Pakistan player slams England legends for calling Champions Trophy 'rigged'. (PTI Photo)

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has strongly criticized former England cricketers Nasser Hussain, Michael Atherton, and David Lloyd for their remarks suggesting that India had an "undeniable advantage" in the ICC Champions Trophy. The trio alleged that the tournament schedule was "rigged" to favor Rohit Sharma’s team, which played all its matches in Dubai.

India opted not to travel to host nation Pakistan due to security concerns and instead played all its group-stage games, the semifinal, and the final in Dubai. Both Pakistan and the ICC agreed to keep India’s matches in one venue within the UAE for financial reasons rather than splitting them across different locations.

“If we (Pakistan) are talking about India having an advantage, you get it. But why are former England cricketers whinging about it now? Begaani shaadi mein abdullah deewana (They are trying to be overly involved in someone else’s affairs),’ Rashid Latif said on the show ‘Caught Behind.’

Latif highlighted the scheduling issue in the ongoing Champions Trophy.

Also Read - India vs New Zealand, Champions Trophy final: Dubai weather forecast, pitch report, and head-to-head record

“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. Once you agreed, and now your team is out, you are whinging."

“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."

Addressing the scheduling issues, Latif pointed out a key conflict. He noted that on Saturday, March 2, India faced New Zealand in Dubai. Had this match taken place a day earlier—when England played South Africa in Karachi on March 1—the semifinal lineup would have been determined more smoothly.