Pakistan–India standoff could impact future ICC events, says Rashid Latif
- Laiba Abbasi
- Jan 27
- 2 min read
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has reignited debate around the future of international cricket after sharing a pointed tweet warning of the far-reaching consequences if Pakistan refuses to play India in ICC events.
Latif’s tweet frames the issue not as a short-term boycott but as a policy-level decision, one that—if taken by the Government of Pakistan—would extend across all ICC tournaments, including men’s, women’s, and age-group events. According to Latif, such a move would directly challenge the ICC’s governance model and its heavy financial dependence on India–Pakistan fixtures.
“If Pakistan takes this stand, it won’t be limited to one World Cup,” Latif implied, stressing that the ripple effects would impact upcoming global events well beyond the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.
The former wicketkeeper-batter highlighted how future tournaments could be destabilised, including the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 in South Africa and Zimbabwe, the Women’s World Cups, and the Under-19 global events. Latif’s concern centres on diplomacy: once a government-level policy is in place, cricket boards and the ICC would have limited room to negotiate exemptions.
Latif also pointed towards the longer calendar, underlining that India is set to host the Champions Trophy in 2029 and co-host the Men’s World Cup in 2031 with Bangladesh. Organising these events without Pakistan–India matches, he suggested, would test the ICC’s ability to keep broadcasters and sponsors on board.
In his assessment, the situation could escalate further if Bangladesh also refuses to co-host with India, potentially pushing international cricket into an administrative and financial corner. Broadcasters, Latif warned, may reconsider investments if marquee clashes are removed from tournament structures.
The debate sparked by Rashid Latif’s tweet has now moved beyond social media and into serious cricketing discourse. With decisions expected from the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the PCB Chairman in the coming days, Latif’s warning serves as a reminder that this is no longer just about one match—but about the balance of power, politics, and economics in world cricket.
ICC EVENTS UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT
Men’s Events
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (India & Sri Lanka)
ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 (South Africa & Zimbabwe)
ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2028 (TBC)
Women’s Events
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 (England)
ICC Women’s T20 Champions Trophy 2027 (Sri Lanka)
ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2027 (Bangladesh & Nepal)
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