NEW DELHI: Pakistan should refrain from damaging its relationship with the world governing body, and support for Bangladesh must not come at the cost of national cricket. Former players and ex-board officials echoed this view as the PCB deferred its decision on participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has reportedly set Friday or Monday as the deadline to confirm whether Pakistan will take part or withdraw from the World Cup. The uncertainty emerged after Bangladesh was ousted from the tournament.
Former Pakistan Test captain Muhammad Hafeez believes the PCB must send the team to the World Cup. Former PCB chairman Khalid Mahmood and ex-secretary Arif Ali Abbasi also said there was no logic in keeping Pakistan out of the event.
“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 said.
Former officials question consequences of withdrawal
Abbasi, who served the board during the era of administrators like Jagmohan Dalmiya and I.S. Bindra, stressed that Pakistan must participate in the World Cup.
“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 said.
Mahmood said the PCB’s stance in supporting Bangladesh was admirable, but insisted decisions must remain practical and focused on Pakistan cricket.
“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,” Mahmood said.
Former players urge common-sense decision
Former Test batsman and ex-chief selector and head coach Mohsin Khan also urged the PCB to send the team to the World Cup.
“We have issues with India but we are playing all our matches in Sri Lanka.”
He added that reports suggested the Bangladesh board would not appeal or challenge the ICC decision.
“So then on what grounds will the PCB not send its team to World Cup. It will be bad for our cricket,” he cautioned.
Former captains Inzamam-ul-Haq and Muhammad Yousuf said the PCB must weigh all factors carefully before making a final call.
“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,” Inzamam said.
Former Test batsman Haroon Rasheed, who served as head coach of senior and junior teams and as chief selector, felt Pakistan would eventually take part.
“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,” he said.
(With PTI Inputs)
