Rashid Latif, the former Pakistan captain, has urged the country’s players to quit the IPL and ICL as a response to accusations by the Indian government that the terrorists involved in the Mumbai attacks had Pakistani links.

“At a time when India is hurling baseless accusations at Pakistan, I don’t think our cricketers should go there and play in the leagues,” Latif was quoted as saying in the Pakistan daily News. “I know it’s very important for a cricketer to play in professional leagues and the Indian contests are excellent platforms but there are times when you have to sacrifice everything for the sake of your country.”

India’s tour to Pakistan has been put in doubt after reports emerged that the Indian government wanted to take a tougher stance against Pakistan in the wake of the attacks in Mumbai. Latif said it was important for the two countries to maintain peace and for the teams to continue playing each other. “As a cricket fan, I hope India come here for [next year’s] series. But unfortunately, it seems highly unlikely in the current circumstances.”