New Delhi: Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has shared a strong take on the speculation surrounding Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. Amid reports that they are considering pulling out of the tournament or boycotting the marquee clash against India, Pakistan are yet to finalise their decision regarding playing the T20 World Cup.
Multiple reports have claimed that PCB are considering boycotting the T20 World Cup 2026 to showcase support for Bangladesh, who were replaced in the tournament by Scotland after refusing to travel to India, citing security reasons. Following Bangladesh’s ouster, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi criticised ICC’s decision, hinting at a boycott from Pakistan.
Naqvi said the final decision regarding the team’s participation will depend on clearance from the Pakistan government. The PCB chief met Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif earlier this week to discuss the team’s T20 World Cup participation, however, the final decision was delayed till Monday next week.
While a withdrawal from the tournament looks unlikely, a section of the media in Pakistan has claimed that PCB is considering boycotting the India clash, particularly to send a message to the ICC. Reacting to the reports, Latif said the ICC will have to accept the decision if Pakistan government asks the team to boycott the India game.
However, the former wicket-keeper batter insisted Pakistan missed the chance to make a meaningful statement by sending out an early message. Latif said PCB should have acted strongly and quickly after Bangladesh were removed from the tournament.
“If the government says we won’t play against India, the ICC will have to accept it. If they don’t, that’s where the real confrontation begins,” Latif said on his YouTube channel CaughtBehind.
Latif said the Pakistan team should be ready to even boycott the final of the T20 World Cup, if India manage to make it to the summit clash. He said Pakistan should not play irrespective of the final.
“Nahi khelenge” (we won’t play) said the ex-Pakistan skipper when asked what would happen if India and Pakistan reach the final in the T20 World Cup 2026.
However, Latif insisted the decision to boycott the tournament or the game against India should have been made much earlier. The former Pakistan skipper said PCB should have acted decisively after Bangladesh were replaced with Scotland while adding that a decision now will not make the same impact.
“The time for a strike has passed. Every decision has a timing. You should strike while the iron is hot. That time was last week during the ICC meeting,” said the former wicket-keeper batter.
“We showed our support. We voted for them. That chapter is over. If we boycott now, it won’t have the same impact,” he added.