Former Pakistan player Rashid Latif proudly embraces his Indian heritage, says ‘rang to neela hi rahega’

New Delhi: Former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif recently shared his heartfelt connection with India, highlighting his family’s deep-rooted ties. Born in Karachi, Latif is the son of Abdul Latif Quraishi, who migrated to Pakistan from Uttar Pradesh during the partition. Speaking about his relatives in India, Latif revealed that his half-brother, Shahid Latif, chose to remain in India and worked for a newspaper in Kolkata. In a widely circulated video, he mentioned that nearly 90 percent of his family still resides in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

“Mulq chhod diya hai iska matlab logo ko bhul thodi na jayenge. Rang to neela hi rahega na humara to. Ek humare bhai Sultanpur mein rehte hain and humari 90 percent family Sultanpur mein rehti hai. Goro nei aisi hi nahi Uttar Pradesh ka naam Upper Province rakha tha [“Leaving the country doesn’t mean we’ll forget the people. Our color will still remain blue, won’t it? One of my brothers lives in Sultanpur, and 90 percent of my family resides there too. The British didn’t name Uttar Pradesh the ‘Upper Province’ without reason],” Latif said in the video.

Rashid Latif, who represented Pakistan in 37 Tests and 166 ODIs between 1992 and 2003, praised the people of Uttar Pradesh for their exceptional qualities. He remarked that they excel in politics, intelligence, and even in delivering witty abuses, showcasing their unique cultural flair.

“Politics mein and brain mein and gaaliyon mein number one Uttar Pradesh. Hum log waha se hain. Toh panga nahi lene ka apan se. [In politics, intelligence, and even abuses, Uttar Pradesh is number one. That’s where we come from. So, it’s better not to mess with us],” the former Pakistan wicketkeeper said.