The International Cricket Council (ICC) has requested the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to reconsider its decision to boycott India in the T20 World Cup.
In a press release, the ICC said, “The ICC hopes that the PCB will consider the significant and long-term implications for cricket in its own country as this is likely to impact the global cricket ecosystem, which it is itself a member and beneficiary of.”
“This position of selective participation is difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event where all qualified teams are expected to compete on equal terms per the event schedule,” the statement reads.
“The ICC’s priority remains the successful delivery of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which should also be the responsibility of all its members, including the PCB. It expects the PCB to explore a mutually acceptable resolution, which protects the interests of all stakeholders”, the board added.
Earlier, PCB said that it would participate in the T20 World Cup but refused to play against India on February 15th.
Last week, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, in a conversation with national cricketers, had stated that the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s stance is based on principles. “We supported Bangladesh while keeping the golden rules of cricket in mind. Our players are talented, and success in any field comes from teamwork,” he added.
Mohsin Naqvi emphasised that politicised cricket is not in anyone’s interest. “We will fully implement the decision of the Pakistani government regarding the World Cup,” he said.
