Legendary Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif has opened up about his connection with India. He was born in Karachi to Abdul Latif Quraishi, who went to Pakistan from Uttar Pradesh. Latif revealed that his half-brother Shahid Latif stayed back in India and worked for a newspaper in Kolkata. Ninety percent of his family members are still residing in Sultanpur.

“We left the country, but that doesn’t mean we will forget the people. Our color will remain blue. One of my brothers is still living in Sultanpur, and 90 percent of family members reside in the same city,” he said.

Latif, who represented Pakistan in 37 Tests and 166 ODIs, said the people of Uttar Pradesh are among the best in politics and intelligence and even at hurling abuses.

“People from Uttar Pradesh are number one in politics, intelligence, and even abuses. We come from that place, and it is better not to mess with us,” he added.

Earlier, Latif had urged the ICC to take away hosting rights of all tournaments scheduled in India and Pakistan until both countries agree to play in their backyards. He commented after India refused to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to security reasons. The Men in Blue last played in India during the 2008 Asia Cup. On the other hand, Pakistan competed in a bilateral series in India in 2012-13.

Pakistan came to India in 2016 and 2023 for the T20 World Cup and ODI World Cup, respectively.