Rashid Latif changes stance to take U-turn on Pakistan boycotting T20 World Cup row

Rashid Latif and Babar Azam [Source: X]

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has shifted his stance on Pakistan boycotting India at the T20 World Cup 2026, reversing his earlier call to boycott the entire tournament. 

Rashid Latif is now suggesting a more selective form of protest, where Pakistan should participate in the World Cup but refuse to play matches specifically against India.

Rashid Latif wants Pakistan to boycott Final against India

Speaking on a YouTube channel, Rashid Latif stated that any decision regarding a boycott would rest entirely with the Pakistani government and not the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Latif even suggested the possibility of pulling out of a semi-final or final if it were to be contested between Pakistan and India, noting that the two teams are placed in different groups in the ICC event.

“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.”

When the host asked what would happen if India and Pakistan reach final, then Latif said, “nahi khelenge’ (we won’t play (in that protest plan)”.

The boycott window for Pakistan is over

Latif acknowledged that the window to boycott the T20 World Cup 2026 outright has now passed. He added that, in his view, the time to challenge India’s influence within the International Cricket Council is over, and Pakistan should have taken a stronger stance when Bangladesh exited the tournament.

“The time for a strike has passed. Every decision has a timing. When the iron is hot, that’s when you strike. That time was last week during the ICC meeting,” Latif said on the YouTube channel CaughtBehind.

Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland after 14 votes went against their participation, with Bangladesh raising security concerns about playing matches at Indian venues.

Pakistan voted in support of Bangladesh but ultimately accepted the decision to remove them from the event. Meanwhile, Scotland have already made their preparations and are set to play warm-up matches in India after managing logistical challenges caused by the short notice.

Latif further stressed that while Pakistan did show solidarity with Bangladesh by supporting them during the ICC general meeting, choosing to boycott the tournament now, several weeks after the issue emerged, would be ineffective.

“We showed our support. We voted for them. That chapter is over. If we boycott now, it won’t have the same impact,” Latif concluded.

Pakistan set for neutral venue clashes against India

For context, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi had indicated a few days ago that the board might take a principled stance similar to Bangladesh’s position, but no formal boycott has been announced so far.

Reports suggest that Pakistan are expected to travel to Sri Lanka soon. The T20 World Cup will go ahead with Pakistan participating in matches hosted in Sri Lanka, while avoiding playing in India.

Even if India and Pakistan are set to meet in the semi-final or final of the T20 World Cup 2026, those matches will be held in neutral venues in Sri Lanka.