Pakistan to Boycott T20 World Cup 2026? Rashid Latif Wants Support for Bangladesh
The former-captain of Pakistan Rashid Latif has initiated a major discussion by proposing that Pakistan should refrain from participation in the T20 World Cup 2026. His comments came after the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected Bangladesh’s request to shift its T20 World Cup matches out of India due to security concerns.
Latif made his remarks on the CaughtBehindShow YouTube channel where he launched a harsh attack against the ICC while urging Pakistan to show support for Bangladesh. Latif says Pakistan should boycott the World Cup
Latif made his situation assessment through a strong direct statement. He said
“If Pakistan and India don’t happen, 50 per cent of your World Cup is gone. This is a great opportunity to challenge the existing cricket order. Pakistan should say they stand with Bangladesh and refuse to play the T20 World Cup. This is the time to take a stand. You need a strong heart to do it."
Latif believes that Pakistan will significantly impact international viewership because Pakistan matches hold major importance across the world. His view states that Pakistan's absence would make the competition less intense which would lead the ICC to change its existing viewpoint.
Criticism of ICC security assurance
Latif used his platform to criticize the ICC's response which handled Bangladesh's security issues. The ICC had rejected Bangladesh’s request and assured that India was safe and capable of hosting the matches.
Latif described the decision as incorrect because it did not meet practical requirements. He said:
“It doesn’t feel like a good decision. Today, the ICC says there is no danger to Bangladeshi players in India. No agency in the world can say there is no danger, how can the ICC say that? Even in the most secure places, no one can give such a guarantee. Hopefully, nothing happens to any team."
He argued that sports organizations need to base their decisions regarding relocation requests on actual dangers instead of relying on basic statements.
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Latif alleges political influence
Latif extended his criticism beyond cricket institutions and claimed that political pressure forced officials to maintain matches in India. He said, “This is a political move, from Amit Shah to Jay Shah,” referring to India’s Home Minister Amit Shah and ICC Chairman Jay Shah. He said, “The trump card is still with Pakistan. Bangladesh’s stance is right. Pakistan won’t get a better opportunity than this."
Such statements are rare from former captains, and this has added more heat to the issue.
Calls for strong action from Pakistan
Latif stated that Pakistan needs to take action beyond making public announcements. He wants the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to take a strong and clear position.
“Pakistan not playing would be like stopping the World Cup. Pakistan is the key
Coordination with Bangladesh stressed
Latif emphasized that Pakistan and Bangladesh must work together to address the matter. He stated
"If there is trust between Pakistan and Bangladesh, this can be done. Let’s wait and see what decision Bangladesh takes in response to the ICC’s ultimatum."
The ICC has set a deadline for Bangladesh to announce their participation in the tournament. Latif warned that if Bangladesh backs out of their initial concerns and decides to play in India, both countries could face backlash.
He stated:
"If they buckle and play the World Cup, both Pakistan and Bangladesh will face criticism from all sides, (‘har koney se thappad padenge’)."
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What happens next
The matter is now being discussed widely in Pakistan and Bangladesh cricket circles. The final statement on Latif’s remarks remains unavailable from both boards. The ICC has also not responded to his comments.
The situation tests the boundary between cricket boards' authority to manage security policies and the political forces that determine ICC tournament venues.
Rashid Latif's comments have applied new pressure on Pakistan and Bangladesh which will continue until the World Cup starts.