Rashid Latif Questions ICC’s Independence Over India–Pakistan Match Boycott

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has raised serious concerns about the credibility and independence of the International Cricket Council (ICC) following the Government of Pakistan’s directive instructing the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to boycott their upcoming match against India at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

The highly anticipated group-stage fixture, scheduled for 15 February in Sri Lanka, has been thrown into doubt after the Pakistani government ordered the PCB not to take the field. The decision, announced just days before the tournament begins, has sparked widespread debate across the cricketing world.

In response, the ICC issued a statement warning that a boycott would undermine the spirit and integrity of the competition. However, Latif believes the controversy has once again exposed deeper governance issues within world cricket.

Speaking exclusively to SportsBoom.com, Latif said the ICC’s credibility has been “substantially eroded”, arguing that the global governing body is widely perceived as being overly influenced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

“The perception is growing that the ICC functions as a proxy for the BCCI, or at the very least as an organisation susceptible to political and financial influence,” Latif said. “This view has been reinforced by public commentary describing the ICC as ‘the BCCI’s Dubai office’.”

The BCCI is widely regarded as the financial powerhouse of international cricket, largely due to the Indian Premier League and major sponsorship deals. It is estimated to generate close to 80 per cent of the sport’s total revenue and retain a significant share of ICC distributions.

Latif warned that this imbalance has reduced the ICC to what he described as an “event management entity”, rather than an independent and principled governing body.

He called on the ICC to use the current crisis as an opportunity to reassert its autonomy and recommit to democratic governance.

“It is imperative that the ICC reassert its institutional independence, adopt inclusive policies, and operate free from the disproportionate influence of any single member,” he said. “Only then can confidence in its governance framework be restored.”

Latif also stressed that Pakistan, despite being ranked seventh in the ICC men’s T20 rankings, remains a vital stakeholder in international cricket.

“Pakistan’s importance within the economic and commercial structure of the sport is undeniable,” he said. “The ICC must treat all member boards with equal respect, regardless of rankings or financial power, and pursue solutions that uphold fairness and parity.”

He further warned that the potential loss of India–Pakistan fixtures could have serious commercial consequences for the ICC in future broadcast and sponsorship negotiations.

“Without these marquee contests, the ICC may struggle to generate the same level of global interest,” Latif added. “The long-term sustainability of international cricket depends on balanced, independent, and equitable governance.”

Earlier this year, Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland at the T20 World Cup after refusing to play matches in India due to safety concerns, highlighting the growing intersection of politics and sport at the highest level.

 Credit SportsBoom: link: https://www.sportsboom.com/cricket/exclusive-former-pakistan-captain-rashid-latif-questions-iccs-credibility-and-calls-for-independent-governance/