Pakistani Salman Ali Agha (Photo AP) Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has softened his earlier stance on calling for a boycott of the upcoming T20 World Cup, admitting that the moment for such a move has passed. While ruling out a complete withdrawal, the former wicketkeeper-batsman raised another form of protest, suggesting that Pakistan could participate in the tournament but refused to play matches against India. However, he emphasized that any such challenge would have to come from the Pakistan government, not the cricket board. “If the government says we will not play against India, the ICC will have to accept it,” Latif said. “If not, that’s where the real confrontation begins.” When asked what would happen if India and Pakistan met in the final, Latif replied, “nahi khelenge” (we will not play).
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Latif, who had earlier called for Pakistan to boycott the World Cup to challenge what he described as India’s influence over global cricket administration, said on Wednesday that an opportunity had been missed when the Pakistan Cricket Board did not act immediately after Bangladesh were kicked out of the event. “The time for the strike is over,” Latif said on YouTube channel CaughtBehind. “There is a time for every decision. When the iron is hot, that’s when you strike. That was last week at the ICC meeting.” Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland after 14 votes against their participation, with the ICC citing logistical and contractual issues. Pakistan supported Bangladesh in the vote but eventually agreed to the final decision. “We showed our support. We voted for them. This chapter is over,” Latif said. “If we boycott now, it won’t have the same impact.” Pakistan’s president Mohsin Naqvi indicated earlier this week that the council might consider a principled position similar to Bangladesh’s, but no formal statement followed. The T20 World Cup will continue with Pakistan participating in a hybrid model, with matches against India scheduled at neutral venues until 2027.
