IPL before T20 championship will hurt India's chance: Latif

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif believes BCCI erred by holding the Indian Premier League just ahead of ICC World Twenty20 and it would hurt the title defence of the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led side.

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif believes BCCI erred by holding the Indian Premier League just ahead of ICC World Twenty20 and it would hurt the title defence of the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led side.

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"I don't think it was a brilliant idea to have the Indian Premier League before the Twenty20 World Cup. It was poor thinking on part of the Indian cricket officials," Latif said.

He was of the view that the Indian players have been on the road for the last one year and would be tired and jaded for such a major event.

According to him, South Africa stood the best chance to win the title in England.

"South Africa's domestic Twenty20 cricket is of high standard and that will help them in the World Cup. Plus they have some very good all-round players for this form of the game," he said.

On the Asian teams, he said, "Pakistan and India have good teams and some quality players but they will take time to adjust to the English conditions which will be an important factor in deciding the outcome of the tournament."

The former wicketkeeper-batsman said as far as Pakistan was concerned, their fielding was not up to the mark.

"Pakistan's batting will be tested in English conditions and their fielding has to be very good. But their strength lies in their bowling," he said.