For the first time, any official associated with the PCB or the Pakistan government has spoken about the team’s decision to boycott the T20 World Cup match against India. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has made his view clear through a detailed statement to his cabinet members.
The ICC did not meet Bangladesh’s demands before the World Cup and hence, they decided to boycott the tournament. However, the ICC did not resort to convincing him, instead immediately announcing his replacement and getting Scotland on board for the World Cup.
During the ICC General Assembly meeting, in which it was decided to replace the Scotland team with Bangladesh instead of rescheduling the event at another venue, 14 members voted in favor of the decision while only 2 were against it, which included the PCB in addition to the BCCI.
PM Sharif cites ‘politics’ for boycotting Indian sports
After Bangladesh boycotted the ICC T20 World Cup, it was not a decision taken by the BCB, but a direct announcement by an advisor to the Bangladesh government; The matter became completely political. Bangladesh has the support of its biggest ally Pakistan.
Pakistan confirmed its participation in the ICC T20 World Cup on Sunday, but on February 15, R. Also announced boycott of the match against India at Premadasa Stadium. The Prime Minister of Pakistan has also said the same thing and said that this decision has been taken to show solidarity with Bangladesh and he stands by it.
“We have taken a very clear stand on the T20 World Cup that we will not play matches against India because there should be no politics on the playing field,” Sharif told his cabinet members on Wednesday.
“We have taken a very thoughtful approach and we should completely stand with Bangladesh and I think it is a very appropriate decision,” he said.
Mohsin Naqvi had earlier criticized ICC’s double standards
PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, who is also one of the interior ministry members of the PM’s cabinet, had earlier attacked the ICC for its double standards and biased behavior towards cricket boards.
After the ICC made its stand clear to Bangladesh, Naqvi created a major controversy by citing India not going to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy in 2025 and terming the ICC’s move as biased and of double standards.
“You can’t say no to a country [India] They can do whatever they want and for others they have to do the exact opposite. That is why we have taken this stand and made it clear that injustice has been done to Bangladesh. They should play in the World Cup, they are a major stakeholder in cricket,” Naqvi said earlier.
Pakistan government’s decision on India vs Pakistan knockout match is awaited
It is not known whether the PCB has officially informed the ICC about its approach or whether any contact or negotiations have been established or initiated between these two boards. The ICC has released a statement in which they want the PCB to reach a mutually acceptable solution, and if not, are aware of the long-term consequences.
However so far the Pakistan government has only talked about group-stage games, and a decision on the knockout stages of the tournament is awaited. However, the PCB has completely left the decision-making authority to the Pakistan government and said in its statement that they will abide by all decisions taken by the Shehbaz Sharif government.
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