Latif supports 10-team World Cup in 2015

Former captain says 1992 format ideal, wants Pakistan to tour India first.

KARACHI:

As the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Associate Members await the final verdict on their exclusion from the next World Cup, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has supported the governing body’s original decision of reducing the number of teams from cricket’s showpiece event.

The ICC, in its last meeting, decided to reduce the 2015 World Cup to 10 teams effectively ruling out minnows like Ireland, Netherlands, Kenya and Canada’s participation.

However, the governing body announced a reconsideration of the decision following strong protests from these countries.

But Latif, who is the head coach of associate nation Afghanistan, has no issues with the ICC’s decision to restrict the mega event to the top teams.

“It was the correct decision,” Latif told reporters at the inauguration of the Pakistan Champions League (PCL).

“Many games in the group stages were dull because of a complete mismatch. There were a few upsets but that cannot assure associates of their qualification.”

Latif, a veteran of 37 Tests and 166 One-Day Internationals insisted that only the top-ranked teams should compete in the tournament.

“The top-eight or the top-10 teams should play the World Cup which will make it an interesting spectacle,” said the former captain terming the 1992 World Cup pattern an ideal one.

“It was the best format where all the competing teams faced each other that made it a good event.”

Latif advises Pakistan to tour India

Meanwhile, amid discussions of the revival of bilateral series between Pakistan and India, the former wicket-keeper advised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) not to expect the Indian side to visit Pakistan at this point in time.

“Under the present circumstances, it’s unlikely that India will tour Pakistan.

“The PCB should send their team to India first if they want to revive cricketing ties.”

Stresses importance of club cricket

While praising the organisers for holding the PCL in which various clubs from all over the country are participating, the former captain said it was very important to keep cricket alive at this level.

“Club cricket is very important but unfortunately we don’t realise this simple fact.

“There should be maximum club events. Great players like Javed Miandad and Zaheer Abbas are products of club cricket and there’s no reason to overlook this level of the game.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 25^th, 2011.