A Pakistani federal minister has condemned the ICC’s actions after the top international body expressed its support and condolences to the three Afghan cricketers who were reportedly killed during the recent air strikes on Afghan territory.
Afghanistan reported the deaths of 10 Afghan civilians, including three cricketers, in the border area of ​​Paktika, where Pakistani aircraft launched a surprise attack, disregarding a 48-hour ceasefire.
Following the attack, the ICC issued a statement calling the act inhumane and expressed its solidarity with the Afghanistan cricketers and their families. Even BCCI had issued the same in a separate statement.
Pakistan slams ICC for biased decision on death of Afghan players
As claimed in the reports, the ICC also immediately considered them in context and clearly condemned Pakistan’s act through a tweet. The ICC had indirectly held Pakistan responsible for these attacks.
On this, Pakistan’s Federal Information Minister Ata Tarar has rejected the ICC’s statement and claimed that Pakistan is not responsible for the death of three cricketers.
“We reject and condemn this ICC statement, which gives the impression and claims that three Afghan cricketers were killed in Pakistan attacks,” Tarar said in a statement on Sunday, as quoted by PTI.
He said, “The ICC did not bother to independently verify the claims of the Afghanistan board and issued a statement claiming the Pakistan attack.”
Pakistan minister raised questions on the credibility of ICC Chairman Jay Shah
The minister also took a dig at current ICC president Jay Shah, who previously held the role of BCCI secretary, a post now held by Devjit Saikia. The minister claimed that Pakistan itself has been a victim of terrorism for years.
“It is strange that a few hours after the ICC statement, ICC President Jay Shah repeated the same words on his social media account and the Afghanistan Board also followed the same words.
“The Afghanistan board made statements without presenting any real evidence,” he said.
Even several Afghan cricketers like Rashid Khan and Gulbadin Naib, who are now global celebrities, have condemned the attacks on Afghanistan territory and supported the ACB’s decision to withdraw from the tri-series.
Pakistan highlights Asia Cup handshake controversy to prove ICC bias towards PCB
Referring to ICC’s actions and trying to prove them as biased, the Pakistani minister once again raised the issue of India ignoring the handshake during the Asia Cup.
“This seriously questions the ICC’s independence and impartial approach. An international sporting governing body should not be promoting a controversial claim that has yet to be verified.”
“The ICC must remain independent and avoid making controversial statements instigated by others,” he said.
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