Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has warned that the T20 World Cup boycott row involving Pakistan is far from over, suggesting the standoff could cause wider complications for international cricket. Latif believes the decision was taken with long-term implications in mind and could resurface at many ICC events.
Latif said in an interview with Tech Word News Pakistan’s stance should not be seen as a one-off reaction and suggested that the ripple effects could extend far beyond the ongoing Men’s T20 World Cup.
“Pakistan generally does not take such decisions. PCB is not afraid of sanctions either. It will have a big impact. This year the Women’s T20 World Cup is being held in England and Pakistan could also play India there. Then there is the Champions Trophy in 2028 which is being hosted by India. So it does not end there. It seems that Pakistan has taken this step after much consideration,” said Latif.
Latif pointed out that until recently, relations between the two councils appeared to be stable, with both sides agreeing on a hybrid model for ICC events over the next three years.
“Everything has gone well so far. Both Pakistan and India have agreed to play in a hybrid model for the next three years. The Asia Cup was held 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 episode in Bangladesh,” he said from Islamabad.
Why did Pakistan threaten to boycott?
The trouble started when Pakistan announced that they would boycott their T20 World Cup league stage match against India in Colombo on February 15. The decision followed comments by Pakistan cricket chief Mohsin Naqvi who spoke of a possible boycott in support of Bangladesh after they were replaced by Scotland in the tournament.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has raised serious concerns over any team that chooses to skip matches at a global event. The ICC said such a move was not in the best interest of the game or its fans. While the ICC is still awaiting an official communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board, it urged Pakistan to carefully consider the long-term impact this decision could have on world cricket.
Latif explained why a prolonged standoff would affect more than just India and Pakistan.
“Whether it’s in India or Pakistan, 60-70 per cent people watch the World Cup because of the matches between India and Pakistan… You know how powerful the broadcasters are. They will find some solution,” he said.
“Now that Pakistan has joined, it will affect Australia and England financially as well… Businessmen are above our governments. Now the game is out of their hands.”
According to sources from the Board of Control for Cricket in India, the Indian team will follow its original plan. India will travel to Colombo, complete training and media duties and then await the decision of the match umpires.
The India-Pakistan match remains the biggest draw in world cricket. That’s why the ICC has placed the two teams in the same group at every major tournament since 2012. If Pakistan sticks to its stance, the 2026 T20 World Cup could become the first ICC men’s tournament since 2010 without an India-Pakistan clash – a situation that may force the ICC to take drastic action.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
February 2, 2026