The Pakistani government has sent shockwaves with their latest announcement on the boycott of the World Cup group match against India despite traveling to Sri Lanka for the rest of the World Cup. The clash was scheduled to take place on February 15 in Colombo.
It is not unprecedented for teams to opt out of ICC matches. In 1996, team Australia and West Indies denied traveling to Sri Lanka due to security concerns; in 2003, England refused to play Zimbabwe due to political tensions and finally New Zealand did not travel to Nairobi to play Kenya at the same World Cup.
“Things have changed since the Bangladesh episode,” Latif said of Pakistan’s boycott of the World Cup match against India
After the revolutionary announcement was made, former Pakistan skipper Rashid Latif, in an exclusive conversation 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 most of the anticipation for the World Cup revolves around the battle between Pakistan and India.
“So far, everything has gone well. Pakistan and India agreed that we would play in a hybrid model for the next three years. The Asia Cup took place in Dubai. The Pakistan women’s team played in Sri Lanka in the Women’s ODI World Cup. Everything went well, but things have changed since the Bangladesh episode,” said Latif from Islamabad.
Pakistan has never supported Bangladesh in this way, the former skipper admitted. Mohsin Naqvi had also voted in favor of Bangladesh at the ICC meeting, and Latif suggests that despite their recent struggles on the field, Pakistan are still a comprehensive team in terms of global cricket and World Cup viewership.
“Whether it is India or Pakistan, 60 to 70 percent of people watch the World Cup because of the India-Pakistan matches,” he said.
“This decision is not against India. It directly affects the ICC,” Rashid Latif said
When India clashes with Pakistan, viewership numbers rise into the millions, sponsorship ratings soar, and broadcasters plan their entire commercial strategy around these clashes.
If Pakistan do not take the field on the 15th, they will not only lose two points but also face sanctions for flouting an ICC-regulated schedule in a multi-team tournament. “This decision is not against India. It directly affects the ICC,” claimed Rashid Latif
“Pakistan generally does not take such decisions. The PCB is not even afraid of sanctions. It will have a big impact. There is a Women’s T20 World Cup in England this year, and Pakistan might also play India there. Then there is a Champions Trophy in 2028, hosted by India. So it does not stop there. It seems that Pakistan has taken this step after much thought,” he said.
He also pointed out that this would not just be limited to this World Cup, but to the entire ICC and ACC fixture list. As such incidents could be repeated by either side in the upcoming Asia Cups, the Women’s World Cup (later this year) and the Champions Trophy, to be held in India in 2028.
“Anything is possible within 24 hours,” concluded Rashid
However, Rashid Latif showed great belief in the role of broadcasters. He claimed that the businessmen are above the governments and that the broadcasters will somehow convince the government. Such decisions have been reversed by broadcasters on previous occasions.
While he believes the decision was taken at the right time, Latif has also kept open the possibilities for a reversal of the Pakistani government’s position. “There is always backdoor diplomacy. Within 24 hours, anything is possible,” he added.
Rashid Latif hints at a possible turnaround in Pakistan: “Anything could happen in the next 24 hours.” pic.twitter.com/V3vQTWSeEW
— Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) February 1, 2026
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