Former Pakistan selector Rashid Latif has expressed firm confidence that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will not back down from the government’s directive to boycott the T20 World Cup 2026 clash against India. Doubling down on the stance, Latif has openly challenged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to impose sanctions if it chooses to, insisting Pakistan has little to lose.
Also Read: Mitchell Marsh shows Pakistani reporter his place over India boycott question
The cricketing world was caught off guard by Pakistan’s bold decision to forfeit the high-profile India fixture while continuing to participate in the rest of the tournament. While the move has unofficially been linked to Pakistan backing Bangladesh following their exclusion over security concerns, Indian officials have dismissed that argument, accusing Pakistan of politicising cricket and undermining the spirit of the game. The ICC, meanwhile, has warned of serious consequences should Pakistan refuse to reconsider.
‘ICC revenue means nothing to Pakistan’: Rashid Latif
Speaking to Hindustan Times, the former Pakistan Test captain claimed that the ICC’s influence over Pakistan is overstated, particularly when it comes to financial leverage. According to Latif, the geopolitical dynamics in the region have shifted, and Pakistan is now prepared to stand its ground. “The political scenario has changed completely in Southeast Asia. Let’s see how things pan out. Only time will tell,” he said.
Latif also suggested the ICC’s swift response revealed panic within the organisation, pointing out that the governing body issued its warning on a Sunday, despite its offices usually being closed. He went on to claim that Pakistan is neither valued nor fairly treated within the ICC ecosystem.
“And as for revenue, don’t give us anything if you want to operate like this. What Pakistan is currently getting is nothing,” Latif remarked.
When asked directly about potential sanctions, Latif was blunt and unapologetic.
“Sanction lagana hai toh laga de Pakistan pe,” he said, adding that Pakistan is fully aware of the consequences of its decision. He argued that sanctions would ultimately hurt the ICC more than Pakistan, claiming the governing body could lose over 75 per cent of its commercial value.
Latif further alleged that ICC revenues are used to fund emerging cricket nations and warned that financial instability could follow if Pakistan is sidelined. While he acknowledged that negotiations may still take place behind the scenes, he firmly ruled out any U-turn on Pakistan’s stance.
