Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Rashid Latif has weighed in strongly on the uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup 2026, saying the window for decisive action has already closed even as the Pakistan Cricket Board awaits clearance from the government.PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss Pakistan’s position after the International Cricket Council removed Bangladesh as a host.
While Naqvi has indicated that the final go-ahead is still pending, the board has already scheduled the squad’s departure to Colombo on February 2, a move that virtually rules out a boycott of either the tournament or the high-profile February 15 clash against India. A formal confirmation of participation is expected from PCB.Speculation has been rife in sections of the media that Pakistan could withdraw from the tournament or refuse to face India. Pakistan have publicly expressed solidarity with Bangladesh, and reports suggest internal discussions were held on boycotting either the event or the India match specifically.Latif, however, believes Pakistan moved too slowly. While acknowledging that the ultimate decision rests with the government, he feels the opportunity to make a meaningful statement has passed. Though pulling out of the tournament entirely may now be difficult, Latif maintained that Pakistan could still opt out of playing India, even if the two sides were to meet in the final.“If the government says we won’t play against India, the ICC will have to accept it,” Latif said. “If they don’t, that’s where the real confrontation begins.”Asked what would happen should India and Pakistan qualify for the final, Latif was blunt in his response: “Nahi khelenge” (we won’t play).Latif argued that Pakistan should have withdrawn immediately after the decision was taken to shift the tournament away from Bangladesh. Speaking on the YouTube channel CaughtBehind, he said: “The time for a strike has passed. Every decision has a timing. You should strike while the iron is hot. That time was last week during the ICC meeting.”He added: “We showed our support. We voted for them. That chapter is over. If we boycott now, it won’t have the same impact.”Chairman Naqvi has stated that the final decision on Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup 2026 will be confirmed either this Friday or next Monday, but Latif’s remarks underline growing frustration over what he sees as a delayed and diluted response.
