Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi has delivered a stern warning to the International Cricket Council regarding Pakistan's potential participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup. The warning comes in response to the ICC's decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland in the tournament lineup.
Government Decision to Determine Pakistan's Participation
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Naqvi emphasized that Pakistan's involvement in the prestigious tournament will depend entirely on the government's final decision. The PCB chairman made it unequivocally clear that the ultimate authority rests with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, who is currently traveling abroad.
"Whether we play in the T20 World Cup or not, the decision will be taken by the government," Naqvi stated firmly. "Our PM is out of the country. When he comes, we will take advice from him. The decision by the government will be final and binding, and if they say no, then they may invite any other team."
Background of the Controversy
The controversy stems from Bangladesh's removal from the T20 World Cup after they refused to travel to India, citing security concerns for their players. Following this development, the ICC decided to replace Bangladesh with Scotland in the tournament schedule.
Pakistan, meanwhile, are scheduled to play all their World Cup matches in Sri Lanka under a hybrid model previously agreed upon with the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Interestingly, Pakistan stood as the only full member nation to support Bangladesh during the ICC vote, while fourteen other members voted against Bangladesh's request to shift their matches.
Naqvi Questions ICC's Decision-Making Process
The PCB chairman expressed strong dissatisfaction with how Bangladesh has been treated in this situation, describing them as "a big stakeholder" in world cricket who has been "unfairly treated." Naqvi revealed that he had maintained this position during Wednesday's ICC meeting as well.
Naqvi went further to question the ICC's decision-making framework, suggesting that one country appears to wield disproportionate influence within the organization. "One country is dictating. When the ICC changed venues for Pakistan and India in a favour, then why it was not done for Bangladesh?" he asked pointedly.
PCB's Clear Stance on Authority
The PCB chairman stressed that his organization answers exclusively to the Pakistan government, not to the ICC. "Our policy and position is clear when the time comes, and the government takes a decision, everyone will know about it. We are not under the ICC, we are subservient to our government," Naqvi declared.
He reiterated that once Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif returns to the country, the matter will be placed before him for a final decision, and the PCB will strictly follow whatever directives emerge from the government.
The situation creates significant uncertainty around Pakistan's participation in the T20 World Cup, with the PCB taking a firm stand against what they perceive as inconsistent treatment of cricket nations by the international governing body.
