Pakistan have announced that they will be playing in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, but not the game against India, without the fear of losing 2 points or the possibility of sanctions being issued by the ICC. Former PCB selector Rashid Latif has cited this as a stand against the ICC in support of the BCB; however, he has kept the possibility of a reverse decision open.
The Pakistan government has sent shockwaves with their latest announcement on the boycott of the World Cup group-stage game against India, despite travelling to Sri Lanka for the remainder of the World Cup. The clash was scheduled to take place on the 15th of February in Colombo.
Teams opting out of ICC matches is not unprecedented. Back in 1996, team Australia and the West Indies denied travelling to Sri Lanka with security concerns; in 2003, England refused to play against Zimbabwe due to political tensions and lastly, New Zealand did not travel to Nairobi to play against Kenya in the same World Cup.
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“Things have changed since the Bangladesh episode happened,” Latif said on Pakistan’s boycott of the World Cup game against India
After the revolutionary announcement was made, former Pakistani skipper Rashid Latif, in an exclusive with The Times of India, made a blunt statement, claiming that Pakistan’s boycott of the match is a direct step to dismantle the financial and governance structure of the ICC. He pointed out that the majority of the World Cup anticipation is around the Pakistan vs India clash.
“Till now, everything was going well. Pakistan and India both agreed that we would play in a hybrid model for the next three years. The Asia Cup happened in Dubai. Pakistan’s women’s team played in Sri Lanka in the Women’s ODI World Cup. Everything was going well, but things have changed since the Bangladesh episode happened,” says Latif from Islamabad.
Pakistan have never supported Bangladesh like this before, admitted the former skipper. Mohsin Naqvi had also voted in Bangladesh’s favour in the ICC meeting, and Latif suggests that despite their recent on-field struggles, Pakistan are yet a comprehensive team in terms of global cricket and World Cup viewership.
“Whether it is in India or Pakistan, 60–70 percent of people watch the World Cup because of India-Pakistan matches,” he said.
“This decision is not on India. It is hitting the ICC directly,” Rashid Latif
When India clashes against Pakistan, the viewership runs into millions, sponsorship valuations spike, and broadcasters plan their entire commercial strategy surrounding these clashes.
If Pakistan does not take the field on the 15th, they will not only lose two points but also face sanctions for defying an ICC-regulated schedule in a multi-team tournament. “This decision is not on India. It is hitting the ICC directly,” claimed Rashid Latif
“Pakistan generally don’t take such decisions. The PCB is not even scared of sanctions. It will have a big impact. There is a Women’s T20 World Cup in England this year, and Pakistan might play India there as well. Then there is a Champions Trophy in 2028, hosted by India. So this will not end here. It seems that Pakistan has taken this step after a lot of thought,” he says.
He also pointed out that this would not just be limited to this World Cup, but the entire schedule of the ICC and the ACC. Since such incidents might be repeated by either party in the upcoming Asia Cups, Women’s World Cup (to be held later this year), and the Champions Trophy, which will next be held in India in 2028.
“In 24 hours, anything is possible,” Rashid concluded
However, Rashid Latif showed some significant belief in the role of broadcasters. He claimed that the businessmen are above the governments and the broadcasters will find some way or another to convince the government. Such decisions have been overturned by broadcasters on previous occasions.
Though he feels that the decision has been made at the right time, Latif has also kept the possibilities open for a reversal of the Pakistan government’s stance. “There is always backdoor diplomacy. In 24 hours, anything is possible,” he added.
Rashid Latif hints at a possible Pakistan U-turn – “Anything can happen in the next 24 hours.” pic.twitter.com/V3vQTWSeEW
— Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) February 1, 2026
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