Islamabad | 22 January 2026

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to boycott the upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka, in support of Bangladesh. His remarks come amid a growing dispute between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) over security concerns related to playing matches in India.

The controversy began after the BCB expressed reluctance to send its players to India, citing safety issues, and requested that their matches be shifted to Sri Lanka. However, the ICC rejected this demand, stating that the original schedule would remain unchanged. The BCB was given 24 hours to consult its government and make a final decision, with the risk of being excluded from the 20-team tournament if it refuses to participate.

Reacting to the situation, Rashid Latif said Pakistan should stand firmly with Bangladesh and withdraw from the competition. “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,” he said on the YouTube channel. He added, “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 also criticised the ICC’s handling of the issue, calling its stance unrealistic. “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?” he said. Referring to past instances where India and Pakistan avoided touring each other for global events, Latif argued that shifting Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka would have been reasonable. He further claimed, “The trump card is still with Pakistan… Pakistan not playing would be like stopping the World Cup. Pakistan is the key.”

The Men’s T20 World Cup is set to take place from February 7 to March 8 across eight venues in India and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh are placed in Group C with England, Nepal, Italy and the West Indies, while Pakistan are in Group A alongside India, Namibia, the Netherlands and the USA. Meanwhile, reports in Pakistani media suggest that the PCB has paused preparations and is closely watching developments before taking a final 

Rashid Latif Urges Pakistan to Boycott T20 World Cup Over Bangladesh Dispute

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has called on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to pull out of the upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka. His statement comes as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) faces possible exclusion from the tournament after raising security concerns about sending its players to India.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rejected Bangladesh’s request to shift its matches to Sri Lanka and decided to stick to the original schedule. The BCB has been given limited time to consult its government and confirm participation. Reports suggest Pakistan is backing Bangladesh, and the PCB has reportedly paused its World Cup preparations while waiting for clarity.

Speaking on a YouTube show, Latif 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.” He added, “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 also criticised the ICC’s stance on player safety, saying, “It doesn’t feel like a good decision.” He questioned the claim that there is no risk, adding, “No agency in the world can say there is no danger — how can the ICC say that?” The T20 World Cup will run from February 7 to March 8, with Bangladesh placed in Group C and Pakistan drawn in Group A alongside India.