New Delhi: Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Rashid Latif has spoken out strongly on the uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s participation in the 2026 T20 World Cup, saying the window for decisive action has already closed even as the Pakistan Cricket Board awaits clearance from the government.PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and discussed Pakistan’s position after the International Cricket Council excluded Bangladesh from being the host country.

Although Naqvi has indicated that the final green light is still pending, the board has already scheduled the team’s departure for Colombo on February 2, effectively ruling out a boycott of the tournament or the high-profile game against India on February 15. Formal confirmation of participation from the PCB is expected.There is speculation in some sections of the media that Pakistan may withdraw from the tournament or refuse to play against India. Pakistan has publicly expressed its solidarity with Bangladesh, and reports suggest there have been internal discussions about boycotting either the event or the match against India in particular.But Latif believes Pakistan is moving too slowly. While acknowledging that the final decision rests with the government, he feels the opportunity to make a meaningful statement has passed. Although it may be difficult to withdraw completely now, Latif argued that it is possible for Pakistan to opt out of playing against India even if the two countries meet in the final.“If the government says we won’t play India, the ICC will have to accept that,” Latif said. “If not, then the real conflict begins.”Asked what would happen if India and Pakistan qualify for the final, Latif bluntly replied, “Nahi kerenge” (we will not play).Latif maintained that Pakistan should have pulled out immediately after the decision to move the tournament from Bangladesh was taken. “The time for a strike has passed. Every decision has a timing. You have to strike while the iron is hot, and that time was during last week’s ICC meeting,” he said on YouTube channel CaughtBehind.He added: “We showed our support. We voted for them. That chapter is closed. Boycotting now will not have the same impact.”Naqvi said a final decision on Pakistan’s participation in the 2026 T20 World Cup would be confirmed either this Friday or next Monday, but Latif’s comments underscore growing frustration over what he sees as a slow and diluted response.