‘Boycott T20 World Cup in India’: Ex-captain Rashid Latif asks Pakistan to stand with Bangladesh amid ICC standoff

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to adopt a firm position and boycott the Men’s T20 World Cup, calling on Pakistan to stand in solidarity with Bangladesh amid the ongoing scheduling and security dispute.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is under pressure after warning it may not travel to India due to security concerns. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reiterated that the original schedule will remain unchanged and has rejected Bangladesh’s request to move its matches to Sri Lanka. The BCB has been given 24 hours to consult its government and confirm participation.

Latif Calls for Pakistan to Take a Stand

With tensions rising between the ICC and the BCB, Latif said Pakistan should use this moment to challenge what he described as the prevailing power structure in international cricket by withdrawing from the tournament.


Recent reports in Pakistani media suggest the PCB has already expressed support for Bangladesh, with preparations for the World Cup reportedly paused while clarity is awaited.

“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,” Latif said on the YouTube channel CaughtBehindShow.

“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,” he added.

Latif also questioned the ICC’s refusal to consider shifting Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka, pointing out that similar accommodations had been made in the past when India and Pakistan declined to tour each other for global events.

“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?” Latif said.

“Even in the most secure places, no one can give such a guarantee. Hopefully, nothing happens to any team.”

Emphasising Pakistan’s influence, Latif said the PCB holds significant leverage and should use it decisively, even if it risks future repercussions.

“The trump card is still with Pakistan. Bangladesh’s stance is right. Pakistan won’t get a better opportunity than this. Pakistan not playing would be like stopping the World Cup. Pakistan is the key,” he said.

“Yes, Pakistan could suffer in the future. There could be sanctions if Pakistan refuses to play ICC events. But there is no use of just words — now is the time to show who you support.”

Tournament Details

The Men’s T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, with matches across eight venues. Bangladesh are placed in Group C alongside England, Nepal, Italy, and the West Indies. Pakistan are drawn in Group A with India, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA.