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.  

See Also: Pakistan to be sanctioned on bilateral for forfeiting India fixture in T20 WC 2026? Report drops bombshell

“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.

The former Pakistan captain, Rashid Latif, has supported their past T20I captain, Babar Azam, heading into the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, despite the batter’s constant failure to be a regular member of the national side. He reckoned that if Baba can’t be a part of the team despite scoring 1000 runs, then it will be a massive issue. 

In history, the Lahore-born, Babar Azam, is the leading run-getter of the T20I cricket with 4453 runs in 130 innings at an average of nearly 40 and a strike rate of 128.40, with the help of three centuries and 38 half-centuries at the best score of 122 runs. But the current few games haven’t been great for the veteran batter.

See Also: Watch: Cameron Green complains of Usman Tariq's chucking during PAK vs AUS 2nd T20I

“If Babar Azam can’t be part of the ninth-ranked Pakistan side after scoring 1000 runs, then Salman Ali Agha can’t even come near the T20I side even with three fifties.” Latif has expressed in a video on X (formerly known as Twitter) that has gone viral on social media.

Rashid Latif backs Babar Azam for T20 World Cup 2026

Babar was recently part of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025/26 season for the Sydney Sixers, where he collected 202 runs at an average of 22.44 in 11 innings and a strike rate of just over 100 with the help of two half-centuries at the best score of unbeaten 58 runs.

Watch the video here: 

“IF BABAR AZAM CANNOT BE PART OF THIS 9th RANK PAKISTAN TEAM AFTER SCORING 1000s OF RUNS THEN SALMAN ALI AGHA WITH 3 50s SHOULD NOT EVEN BE NEAR THE TEAM”

- RASHID LATIF pic.twitter.com/dBC0xg3Yq1

— Kh4N PCT (@Kh4N_PCT) January 31, 2026

During the first couple of T20Is against Australia, the right-hand batter has returned with scores of 24 and two. On the other hand, Salman Agha has nailed two strong knocks of 39 and 76 against Australia, which will be a massive boost for the national side.

In this home T20I series. Pakistan has decided to open with Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub, while Agha has promoted himself to number three, dropping Babar at number four in the batting lineup. The latest will need to back his game against the spinners to help his side in the spin-friendly Sri Lankan conditions during the World Cup.

Former Pakistan captain and wicketkeeper Rashid Latif has landed in trouble after questioning the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its leadership policies. The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has initiated an investigation against the 57-year-old following a complaint filed by PCB senior legal manager Syed Ali Naqvi.

According to NCCIA spokesperson Najeebullah Hasan, Latif has already recorded his statement in connection with two inquiries, one in Islamabad and another in Lahore. The probe comes after Latif’s recent remarks on social media criticising Pakistan’s leadership instability and captaincy decisions.

Latif had reacted strongly to the appointment of Shaheen Shah Afridi as Pakistan’s ODI captain, writing on X (formerly Twitter), “Divide and rule policy is a political strategy to gain and maintain power by creating and exploiting divisions within a population, such as religious, ethnic, cricket teams or class differences.” He further claimed that Pakistan is the “only country that cannot even produce a decent captain.”

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NCCIA steps in as former players’ comments spark administrative tension

The former cricketer has been vocal in recent months about the decision-making structure within the team setup. He has publicly expressed concern over what he describes as constant power struggles and pressure on national players. Speaking earlier during the Asia Cup 2025, Latif highlighted the increasing tensions between India and Pakistan that were spilling into cricket too, referencing the handshake controversy during the tournament.

Meanwhile, legendary pacer and ex-captain Wasim Akram has also drawn attention from the NCCIA. A separate complaint has reportedly been filed against him for allegedly promoting a betting app. However, no formal notice has been issued in Akram’s case so far and the process remains at a preliminary stage.

As inquiries continue, the situation underscores the heightened oversight of public comments from former cricketers and senior figures in Pakistan cricket. With ongoing scrutiny surrounding leadership policies and off-field controversies, the PCB finds itself navigating yet another sensitive episode in its cricketing administration. Further details from the NCCIA are awaited as the investigations progress.

The former Pakistan wicket-keeper batter, Rashid Latif, has made a shocking statement on the Super 4 clash between India and Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, which the latter went on to lose by four wickets. It was the second meeting between the two teams after India earned a seven-wicket win in the group stage.

Pakistan put a decent score on the board in the Super 4 clash, thanks to the half-century from Sahibzada Farhan, while Faheem Ashraf clubbed a fine knock of 20 runs in eight runs to cross the 170-run mark in the first inning. However, Rashid Latif felt that the clash was fixed.

See Also: [WATCH] ‘Bumrah out hai…’- Suryakumar Yadav's funny stump mic conversation with umpire leaked during IND vs BAN Super 4 clash

“They have moved quite forward. We are nothing. 90s boys were nowhere near what these players are. One team is not catching, and the other is not hitting aerial due to the fear of being caught. Your main bowler is not bowling. Out of 7-8 overs, Saim Ayub bowled three.” Latif expressed in an interview as the video went viral.

Watch: Rashid Latif accuses Pakistan of fixing India vs Pakistan Super 4 clash of Asia Cup 2025

India made a solid chase in the game, thanks to the 104-run opening partnership between Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma. The latter clubbed a fine and aggressive half-century to complete the chase. But Latif’s statement has grown controversial as he questioned the Pakistan batters' slowing down deliberately in the second half of the inning.

Ex Pakistani cricketer & Captain Rashid Latif believe´s the match between India vs Pakistan on 21 September was shady(Fixing).

He thinks Pak batters in the middle overs deliberately slowed down,And also points out 2 matches from the 90s that were fixed.

🧐🤨 pic.twitter.com/aRc4mZg6HI

— 𝐆𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐨𝐟 $𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 (@IwilllExposeYou) September 25, 2025

“Pakistan was batting so well, how did it suddenly turn bad? You didn’t even try to be aggressive. They gave up. Why didn’t they try to attack in the middle overs? I don’t know. Sahibzada Farhan and Hussain Talat had a 17-run partnership in 17 balls. Farhan scored 5 off 6 deliveries, and Talat made 10 off 11.” Rashid Latif expressed.

“At that point, Pakistan was in control. You should have gone for your shots, even if you got out. Then Mohammad Nawaz came, and he too played slowly, never trying to accelerate the scoring rate. That’s why I don’t trust their batting or bowling.” Latif addressed this in the same video.

The former Pakistan coach, Rashid Latif, had criticized the Indian team, under Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership, for not turning up to shake hands after their seven-wicket victory over the Salman Ali Agha-led side at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. He also urged the PCB to lodge an official complaint against BCCI as their players locked the door of their dressing room.

Latif reckoned that denying a shake would be a blot that India would have to carry for a lifetime. Not only after the game, but even at the toss, Sky didn’t shake hands with the Pakistan captain, who didn’t appear in the post-match presentation, in protest of the entire incident.

See Also: [WATCH] 'India Seniors and India A...'- Former India star analyzes Pakistan's defeat in Asia Cup 2025 contest

“Wars have happened before, too, but we have always shaken hands. These things will remain a blot for a lifetime. Our reservations in terms of war or the Pahalgam attack are legitimate. But when you come to the ground, play the sport the right way. If Pakistan is involved in the Pahalgam attack, then catch those who are responsible.” Latif expressed during a recent interaction.

Rashid Latif gives intense response to India’s decision not to shake hands with Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025

Later in the post-match ceremony, Sky revealed that they would dedicate this win to the Armed Forces and those who lost their innocent lives during the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year. Pakistan, 24 hours after the game, filed a complaint against the match referee, Andy Pyrcroft.

“India should have fought the war, but they didn’t even do that properly. They should not have backed out. To hide their own mistakes, a lot of things are being done politically. What happened on the ground was not correct.” Latif explained in the post-match chat.

“Perfect occasion, taking the time out, we stand by the victims of the families of the Pahalgam terror attack. We express our solidarity. Want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery. Hope they continue to inspire us all, and we give them more reasons on the ground whenever we get an opportunity to put a smile on their face.” The former Pakistan wicket-keeper concluded.

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has joined a growing chorus of former cricketers questioning the decision of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to appoint Suryakumar Yadav as India’s new T20I captain over Hardik Pandya. Despite Hardik’s impressive credentials, including leading the Gujarat Titans to an IPL title and serving as Rohit Sharma’s deputy during India’s successful T20 World Cup campaign, the BCCI opted for Suryakumar Yadav. This decision has sparked widespread debate within the cricketing community.

BCCI’s bold captaincy decision

The BCCI’s choice of Suryakumar Yadav as the new T20I captain came as a surprise to many, especially given Hardik Pandya’s leadership experience and success in the IPL. Hardik was widely expected to succeed Rohit Sharma as the T20I captain. However, chief selector Ajit Agarkar cited fitness concerns as the primary reason for preferring Suryakumar for the captaincy role. Agarkar’s statement has led to mixed reactions, with some agreeing with the focus on fitness and others questioning the justification.

“No, here they (the claims) just hand him a certificate saying he isn’t fit and there are concerns about his fitness. There are plenty of players who weren’t super fit but still became great captains. So, I think it was just an excuse. Because if Surya wasn’t around, then Rishabh (Pant) would have been the captain since you have to look at the future,” Latif said.

Additionally, Hardik Pandya lost his T20I vice-captaincy to the young and promising Shubman Gill. The selection committee explained that this decision was part of their strategy to groom young players for future leadership roles.

Rashid Latif’s criticism

Rashid Latif, known for his outspoken opinions, has openly criticized the BCCI’s reasoning. Latif dismissed the fitness concerns as mere excuses for bypassing Hardik Pandya for the captaincy. He argued that if fitness is genuinely an issue, the selectors should provide an unfit certificate for Hardik. Latif’s comments reflect a broader skepticism about the decision-making process within the BCCI.

See also: Rahul Dravid to discuss cricket’s inclusion in Olympics at Paris event – Cricket Winner

In a press conference held before India’s departure for the Sri Lanka tour, Ajit Agarkar addressed the media, reiterating that fitness played a significant role in the decision to appoint Suryakumar Yadav over Hardik Pandya.

“Hardik’s skill-sets are difficult to find and fitness is difficult to find. we have got a bit more time and we can look at a few things. Fitness was a clear challenge and we wanted someone who was likely to be available more often,” Agarkar said.

“We have taken general feedback from the dressing room also,” he added.

Despite this explanation, the debate continues, with many former players and fans expressing their dissatisfaction with the BCCI’s choice.

During the IPL 2023, the former Pakistan captain is making fun of Arjun Tendulkar’s bowling abilities at every opportunity.

Former Pakistan skipper Rashid Latif has openly questioned the Mumbai Indians (MI) all-rounder’s bowling style during the 2023 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), days after making headlines with his outrageous statement about Arjun Tendulkar. Arjun Tendulkar, the son of legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, made his professional debut recently for Rohit Sharma’s Mumbai Indians in the IPL, the world’s richest Twenty20 tournament.

With Arjun’s new exhibitions previously earning the consideration of fans in the IPL, previous Pakistan captain Latif has attacked the Mumbai Indians youth.

On Saturday, a Twitter user asked Rashid Latif to discuss Arjun’s bowling abilities

“Former Pakistan player Rashid Latif & quite a few cricketers may be technically right in pointing fault in the run up & delivery stride that will affect speed of Arjun Tendulkar but none of them have offered any solution. What’s the solution, coaches?”

the Twitter user asked Latif on the microblogging site.

In one of his most recent tweets on Monday, the former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman slammed Arjun’s bowling style and urged Sachin’s son to improve his bowling by following his advice.

“Need to improve following steps, he is so young so he can work on it,”

Latif said in his response. Latif’s bombshell tweet on Arjun has sparked a debate on social media.

The former Pakistan captain had previously asserted that Arjun’s bowling style will not be able to generate pace. As the Mumbai Indians all-rounder is still in the beginning stages of his career, Latif asserted that a biomechanical expert can assist Arjun.

Pakistan cricket always manages to make headlines for the wrong reasons, no matter what. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) management change was supposed to boost cricket in the country to new heights, but many former players have questioned how the governing body is run under Najam Sethi’s leadership. Rashid Latif, a legend in Pakistan, launched a vicious attack on the PCB on Tuesday, even suggesting that the Pakistan team can now “rest in peace.”

Latif’s remarks came after the Pakistan Cricket Board declared Shadab Khan as captain for the T20I series against Afghanistan, with Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi being refreshed. Babar and Rashid’s exclusion from the T20 squad for the series prompted Latif to brutally attack the board

“Our players are featuring in ICC rankings and winning awards after a long time. Babar and Shaheen won ICC awards. They [PCB] couldn’t digest it. They said we won’t let it happen and now we are here and will make decisions. Those who never took rest and are 70 or 80-year-old and need to rest, are now deciding the fate of Pakistan cricket. You can say rest in peace Pakistan team. Our team is now resting in peace. When you bring new players, you break a team combination. Some new players, who are selected, will perform in the Afghanistan series, so will they bring back the senior players back with lesser strike rate. Media will also put pressure on them. This is the first step towards destroying the Pakistan team”

Latif said, as per Cricket Pakistan.

 “I want to congratulate Shadab Khan on his appointment as the Pakistan team captain for the series against Afghanistan. Shadab Khan has been the Pakistan vice-captain in white-ball cricket for the past couple of years and it is logical that he takes over the side in the absence of Babar Azam for the short three-match T20I tour of Sharjah.”

Najam Sethi had said, explaining his decision after the squad announcement.

“For the short Sharjah tour and to ensure continuity, we have also appointed Mohammad Yousuf as the interim head and batting coach. Yousuf has been with the national side since last year as a batting coach and has also been working in the National High Performance Centre.”

He further added.

Pakistan Squad: Shadab Khan (C), Abdullah Shafique, Azam Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Ihsanullah, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood, Tayyab Tahir, Zaman Khan.