ICC Faces Turmoil as Pakistan Stands Firm on India Match Boycott
The T20 World Cup has plunged into fresh controversy after Pakistan confirmed it will boycott its high-profile match against India. With the tournament less than a week away, the decision has rattled organisers and broadcasters alike. Pakistan’s government announced that the team would participate in the event but refuse to take the field against India on February 15 in Colombo. The move follows Bangladesh’s recent removal from the tournament after it declined to travel to India, a call that Islamabad believes exposed double standards within world cricket.
Rashid Latif Backs PCB, Says Decision Is Final
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has strongly backed the stance, asserting that the Pakistan Cricket Board will not reverse course. Speaking to Hindustan Times Digital, Latif said the decision had been taken well in advance but revealed at a strategic moment. According to him, the ICC mishandled Bangladesh’s security concerns, which triggered Pakistan’s response. He stressed that the call came directly from the government, not the PCB, and reflected a broader political shift in the region. As a result, Pakistan believes it had no choice but to act.
‘ICC Panicked’, Revenue Model Under Threat: Latif
Meanwhile, Latif claimed the ICC’s swift warning to Pakistan revealed panic at the top. He noted that the apex body rarely issues statements on Sundays, yet rushed to respond within hours. This, he argued, shows how deeply the boycott threatens the ICC’s financial model. India-Pakistan matches generate massive broadcast revenue, and losing that fixture could cause major losses. Latif also criticised the ICC’s revenue-sharing structure, saying Pakistan receives a negligible share despite being a key stakeholder. Therefore, he believes sanctions would hurt the ICC more than Pakistan.
No U-Turn Likely, But Talks Still Possible
Looking ahead, Latif ruled out a U-turn but left the door open for negotiations. He said discussions could still save the game if all parties come to the table. However, he warned that if Pakistan and Bangladesh remain united, global cricket bodies like the ICC and ACC would face serious consequences. He also praised PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi for taking a decisive stand, calling it a turning point for Pakistan cricket administration. Ultimately, Latif argued that this boycott could reshape power dynamics in international cricket and force long-overdue reforms.
