Former Pakistan Captain Calls for T20 World Cup Boycott in Support of Bangladesh
Former Pakistan cricket captain Rashid Latif has made a bold appeal to the Pakistan Cricket Board, urging them to adopt a firm stance and boycott the upcoming Men's T20 World Cup. Latif emphasized that Pakistan should stand in solidarity with Bangladesh, which is currently embroiled in a significant scheduling and security dispute with the International Cricket Council.
Bangladesh Faces Exclusion Threat Over Security Concerns
The Bangladesh Cricket Board finds itself in a precarious position, facing potential exclusion from the 20-team tournament if they refuse to travel to India due to security apprehensions. On Wednesday, the ICC made its position unequivocally clear, stating that the original tournament schedule would remain unchanged and that Bangladesh's request to relocate its matches to Sri Lanka would not be entertained.
The BCB has been granted a 24-hour window to consult with its government and confirm whether the national team will participate in the prestigious tournament. This tight deadline has created considerable pressure on Bangladesh's cricket administration as they navigate complex diplomatic and security considerations.
Latif Sees Opportunity to Challenge Cricket Power Structure
With tensions escalating between the ICC and the BCB, Latif believes this represents a crucial moment for Pakistan to challenge what he describes as the prevailing cricketing power structure by withdrawing from the tournament. Recent reports in Pakistani media indicate that the PCB has already expressed solidarity with Bangladesh, with the board's leadership even pausing the national team's World Cup preparations while awaiting clarity on the developing situation.
"If Pakistan and India don't happen, 50 percent of your World Cup is gone. This is a great opportunity to challenge the existing cricket order," Latif declared during an appearance 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 emphasized.
Criticism of ICC's Handling of Security Concerns
Latif also directed criticism toward the ICC's handling of the sensitive issue, questioning their refusal to consider Bangladesh's request to move matches to Sri Lanka. He pointed out that similar adjustments had been made in previous instances when India and Pakistan declined to tour each other for global cricket 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 questioned. "Even in the most secure places, no one can give such a guarantee. Hopefully, nothing happens to any team."
Pakistan's Strategic Leverage in the Situation
The former captain stressed that Pakistan holds significant strategic leverage in the current scenario and should use it decisively. "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," Latif asserted.
He acknowledged potential consequences, stating, "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."
T20 World Cup 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 spread across eight different venues. Bangladesh has been placed in Group C alongside England, Nepal, Italy, and the West Indies. Meanwhile, Pakistan finds itself drawn in Group A with India, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA.
The tournament's scheduling and participation remain uncertain as the deadline for Bangladesh's decision approaches, with Pakistan's potential boycott adding another layer of complexity to an already tense international cricket situation.
