Overview:
He is still hopeful of seeing the contest despite the latest development.
Former captain Rashid Latif has reacted to Pakistan’s government decision to opt out of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 match against India. The fixture is scheduled on February 15 in Sri Lanka. Although the Men in Green will compete in the global tournament, the most-awaited game will not go ahead.
“ICC and ACC were benefiting from India-Pakistan matches. India and Pakistan had agreed to play matches in a hybrid model for the next three years. Everything was going fine. I feel the decision on Bangladesh’s removal has changed several things.
“When Bangladesh decided against travelling to India, the ICC took it lightly. Things have changed politically. Pakistan is now standing with Bangladesh, which didn’t happen in the past. There are elections in West Bengal and Bangladesh. Pakistan is not playing well, but they have a status in the ICC and ACC. 60-70 percent people watch the World Cup because of India and Pakistan,” he told the Times of India.
Latif mentioned that Pakistan is likely to boycott the future matches as well.
“The India-Pakistan matches have a massive reach. ICC has lucarative contract with JioHotstar for the next three years for India-Pakistan matches. They could surrender as JioHotstar can’t incur losses. It is a shocking decision, but not for us. We had a chance to do it in the past, but we didn’t go ahead. They are not afraid of the sanctions and losses. I don’t think this will stop with just one match. Pakistan is going to boycott future matches against India as well,” he added.
He hit out at the ICC chairman, Jay Shah.
“Virat Kohli didn’t play a Test match in Pakistan, and Babar didn’t play in Pakistan. Pakistan’s decision is not against India, but it is going to hit the ICC directly. Jay Shah has gone to ICC and is making the ICC strong, but he is making the BCCI weak. Now, Jay Shah will not have a complete say, and other countries will also come up with their thoughts. Businessmen are above the two governments.”
He is still hopeful of seeing the contest despite the latest development.
“The real stakeholders will come up with a solution, but if it doesn’t happen, it would be a disaster for world cricket. There is a possibility of backtracking, as this is one of the issues in our country. Governments can solve the issues, and anything is possible in 24 hours.”