Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Pakistan have expressed disappointment over the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) decision to proceed with Bangladesh’s matches in India for the upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup, but sources have made it clear that withdrawing from the tournament is not under consideration. The ICC’s rejection of Bangladesh’s request to relocate their matches to Sri Lanka on security grounds has triggered debate across the region, even as the tournament schedule remains intact.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!According to a report by Telecom Asia Sport, Pakistan had backed Bangladesh’s stance in principle, drawing parallels with its own recent experience of playing India at neutral venues. However, PCB officials believe there is little room for manoeuvre at this stage and see no valid basis for a boycott.
“Pakistan backed Bangladesh’s stance on principles because, on India’s insistence, their matches were moved out from Pakistan to Dubai, but the same reason by Bangladesh was not accepted, which is disappointing,” sources told Telecom Asia Sport. Despite that support, the same sources stressed that Pakistan’s options do not extend to pulling out of the World Cup. “Pakistan is considering various options, but withdrawal from the event is never an option nor was it considered,” they said.ALSO READ: How ICC rejected BCB’s venue shift plea, issued an ultimatum and what lies aheadOfficials also underlined that Pakistan are already scheduled to play their matches at a neutral venue, where there are no security concerns. “PCB officials understand they do not have a valid reason to boycott the event, as they are already playing in a neutral venue,” the report added. Sources further clarified that Pakistan never officially threatened to withdraw, insisting that much of the speculation originated on social media.Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal echoed the sense of resignation around the ICC’s call, describing the outcome as expected. “Most of the ICC decisions prove they are in favour of India, and this should not happen as member countries deserve equal treatment,” Kamran told Telecom Asia Sport.He cited past examples to underline his point. “Champions Trophy case was one example where India’s will was accepted because they are a revenue generator for ICC and they also forced Pakistan to host the 2023 Asia Cup on a hybrid model,” Kamran said. At the same time, he acknowledged the constraints facing the governing body. “I think ICC was in a tough situation as they had decided the schedule, and at this point, it was tough to change it.“
