NEW DELHI: Prominent former Pakistan cricketers and ex-cricket board officials have issued strong warnings to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) against boycotting the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup in solidarity with Bangladesh. These cricket veterans emphasize that such a drastic move could severely damage Pakistan's cricketing interests and create unnecessary tensions with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and other member boards.
PCB's Decision Deadline Approaches
The PCB has postponed its final decision regarding World Cup participation following Bangladesh's removal from the tournament. Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has established Friday or Monday as the deadline for either confirming Pakistan's participation or withdrawing from the prestigious global event. This uncertainty has triggered strong reactions from former players who believe supporting Bangladesh should not come at the expense of Pakistan's own cricketing future.
Former Players Voice Concerns
According to a PTI report, former Pakistan Test captain Muhammad Hafeez has clearly advocated for participation, insisting that the national team must be sent to the World Cup. Former PCB chairman Khalid Mahmood and ex-board secretary Arif Ali Abbasi have similarly expressed reservations about withdrawing from the tournament, finding little logical justification for such action.
Arif Ali Abbasi, who served during the tenure of influential administrators like Jagmohan Dalmiya and I.S. Bindra, questioned the strategic wisdom of boycotting. "I can understand Pakistan supporting Bangladesh, but what purpose will PCB achieve by not sending its team apart from spoiling relations with the International Cricket Council and member boards?" Abbasi stressed that the PCB must prioritize Pakistan cricket above all else.
Financial and Logistical Implications
Abbasi also highlighted significant logistical and financial concerns that could arise from a boycott. "What about our relations with Sri Lanka? Obviously Sri Lanka will suffer losses if Pakistan doesn't go as all our matches are in Sri Lanka, including matches with India," he pointed out, emphasizing the broader consequences beyond bilateral relations.
Pragmatism Over Principle
Khalid Mahmood described the PCB's initial stance as "laudable" but urged greater pragmatism. "We have to remember that except for Pakistan, no other cricket board supported the Bangladesh demand to move matches from India. I can understand the stance taken by the Bangladesh board, but it is also a fact no one supported them in the ICC meeting," he explained, suggesting Pakistan might be standing alone in this matter.
Additional Veteran Perspectives
Former Test batsman, chief selector, and head coach Mohsin Khan echoed similar concerns. "We have issues with India, but we are playing all our matches in Sri Lanka," he noted, adding that reports indicated the Bangladesh Cricket Board would not appeal the ICC decision. "So then on what grounds will the PCB not send its team to the World Cup? It will be bad for our cricket," he cautioned.
Former captains Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Yousuf urged the PCB to carefully weigh all factors before making a final decision. Inzamam stated, "I personally would like to see Pakistan compete in the World Cup. We have some good players, and our cricket needs to see our team doing well in big events."
Balancing Support and Self-Interest
Former Test batsman and ex-chief selector Haroon Rasheed summarized the prevailing sentiment among cricket veterans: "We supported Bangladesh, which is a good thing. We took a principled stance, but now is also the time to look at our own cricket interests." This balanced perspective reflects the complex diplomatic and sporting considerations facing the PCB as the decision deadline approaches.
The collective wisdom of Pakistan's cricket veterans suggests that while solidarity with Bangladesh is commendable, Pakistan's long-term cricketing interests and international relationships must remain the primary consideration in this delicate situation.
