Short Description:
Former Pakistan cricket legends warn the PCB that boycotting the T20 World Cup would damage Pakistan cricket and hurt ties with the ICC. Read their urgent pleas.
Read Time: 2 minutes 15 seconds
Main Article:
Former Pakistani cricket stars and board officials are raising alarm bells, urging the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to dismiss any notion of boycotting the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Their concerned voices center on a brewing standoff where PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi threatens to withdraw Pakistan’s team in solidarity with Bangladesh, which was removed from the tournament. The former cricketers unanimously warn that such a move would be severely detrimental, stating that pulling out will ultimately hurt Pakistan cricket far more than it helps anyone else.
The financial and logistical ramifications of a World Cup boycott are a primary concern for these experts. Former PCB secretary Arif Ali Abbasi highlighted the domino effect, noting that Sri Lanka—host to all of Pakistan’s group matches—would suffer significant financial losses if Pakistan withdrew. He questioned the purpose of spoiling “relations with the International Cricket Council (ICC),” emphasizing the need for the PCB to prioritize its own national interests. Echoing this, former PCB chairman Khalid Mahmood acknowledged the PCB’s “laudable” support for Bangladesh but pointed out the pragmatic reality: no other cricket board backed Bangladesh’s initial demands.
Ultimately, the consensus emphasizes damage control and strategic pragmatism over symbolic protest. Former coach Mohsin Khan noted that Pakistan’s matches are scheduled in Sri Lanka, not India, mitigating some political friction, and suggested the Bangladesh board itself may not appeal the ICC’s decision. Former captains like Inzamam-ul-Haq stressed the importance of Pakistan competing on the world stage for the development of its players and the spirit of the game. Their unified message to the PCB is clear: supporting an ally should not come at the catastrophic cost of straining relations with the ICC and isolating Pakistan from the global cricketing community.
Short Summary:
Former Pakistan cricket stalwarts are urging the PCB to confirm participation in the T20 World Cup, warning a boycott would irreparably harm Pakistan cricket. They caution that severing ties with the ICC and financially hurting host nations would be a costly misstep, advising the board to prioritize its own cricketing future over a symbolic protest. The key takeaway: national interest must supersede political posturing.
