Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Sunil Gavaskar believes Pakistan’s decision to skip their high-profile ICC T20 World Cup clash against India may not be final, drawing parallels with the country’s long history of players reversing retirement calls after public pressure.Pakistan ended days of uncertainty over their participation in the tournament by confirming they would compete in the T20 World Cup starting February 7, but simultaneously triggered fresh controversy by announcing they would forfeit their group-stage match against India on February 15. The announcement came via social media from the Pakistani government, without citing any specific reason.
“The government of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan cricket team to participate in the Twenty20 World Cup, however, the Pakistan team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February against India,” a Pakistan government release said.The marquee event, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, runs from February 7 to March 8 and features 20 teams. The ICC has already taken note of Pakistan’s stance and warned the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) about potential long-term consequences if the decision is not revisited.Reacting to the development, Gavaskar suggested that public reaction could yet force a rethink.“Their decision could change once the world starts reacting (to their boycott decision),” Gavaskar said on Aaj Tak.He pointed to a familiar pattern in Pakistan cricket.“There’s nothing new to this issue. Pakistani cricketers are known to make retirement U-turns, claiming their fans want them to continue.”Gavaskar feels a similar scenario could unfold in this case as well.“(Likewise) It’s possible that Pakistani fans may question their government about their decision. So, I don’t see any problem here. Pakistani cricketers have set the example – they make a U-turn 8-10 days after retiring. Something similar could happen before (February) 15,” he added.Despite Pakistan’s current stance, India are expected to proceed as scheduled and travel to Sri Lanka for the fixture in line with tournament protocols. For a walkover to be officially awarded, the opposing team must be present for the toss.Accordingly, India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav is set to walk out for the coin toss at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium on February 15. If Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha fails to appear, the match referee will declare a walkover, handing India two points.Meanwhile, uncertainty remains over whether the PCB supports the government’s call. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is expected to clarify the board’s position.“What will be interesting to see is what reason the PCB gives for the government denying them permission to play India on February 15 and whether it was a unilateral government decision or the PCB was on board as well,” a source was quoted by news agency PTI as saying.India and Pakistan have not played bilateral cricket since 2012 and only meet in multi-nation tournaments. Pakistan begin their campaign against the Netherlands in Colombo on February 7 in Group A, which also includes India, the United States and Namibia.
