The former Pakistan captain and coach, Rashid Latif, reckoned that the decision of the Pakistan government to forfeit India’s clash during the T20 World Cup 2026, which is scheduled to happen on February 15 at the R Premadasa Cricket Stadium in Colombo, has come about due to the political situation between the two countries.

Rashid Latif pointed out how India designed the hybrid model in their favor, which has led the PCB to walk in this path, as the upcoming elections in Bangladesh have a relation in that sense. However, the ICC wants the PCB to change its stance and come to a mutually accepted position regarding the game.  

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“I think this decision of not playing against India has been taken from a political view. India has done this a lot by bringing the hybrid model. The Asia Cup will be impacted a lot by this. You know, there is a huge impact of Pakistan and Bangladesh in South Asia. Bangladesh will also have elections. Last year, whatever happened in the air or by road was also related to these things.” Rashid Latif expressed in an interview on IANS.

Rashid Latif not surprised in Pakistan refusing to play India in T20 WC 2026

Latif also shed light on the fact that the decision of the PCB won’t be limited only to the men’s World Cup game, but also to the upcoming Women’s World Cup in 2026 and the U19 games, along with the Asia Cup, which will be a huge setback for the broadcasters.

Watch the video here: 

Watch: On Pakistan refusing to play the T20 World Cup match against India, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif says, "...There have been many such incidents, and keeping all of them in mind, the Pakistan government has taken this decision. It is possible that sanctions may now… pic.twitter.com/ZIugyskiFI

— IANS (@ians_india) February 1, 2026

“There have been many such incidents, and keeping all of them in mind, the Pakistan government has taken this decision. Sanctions may now be imposed on Pakistan, but despite that, this decision was taken. This boycott will not be limited to this World Cup alone. There is also the Women’s World Cup, and Pakistan may not play there either.” Latif addressed.

“There will be an Asia Cup in the future, and if they don’t play each other, then the impact will be on the broadcasters, whose revenue will be in trillions. The one World Cup match between India and Pakistan holds the entire event. And now, if Pakistan doesn’t play the 2027 WC, women’s game, and even the U19 game, then the margin will keep coming down.” The former Pakistan star concluded.