In an exclusive interview with Sports Yaari, former cricketer Amit Mishra spoke about the ongoing tussle between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and ICC, following Pakistan's threats not to participate in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
“This kind of drama will always be there, but I don’t think it makes any sense,” Mishra said. “If Pakistan choose not to come or not to play, then it’s their loss. It doesn’t really affect anyone else.”
The former cricketer stressed that international tournaments are about performance and competition, not political or administrative posturing. According to Mishra, a team’s absence only weakens its own standing on the global stage.
“If a team is not performing well, not winning tournaments, or if their players are not being seen at the highest level, then refusing to play doesn’t achieve anything,” he added. “You don’t gain anything by staying away.”
Mishra further claimed that fans in India would not be overly concerned if Pakistan skipped the tournament, asserting that the focus would remain firmly on India’s own campaign and success.
“I feel people in our country will be more than happy focusing on our team,” he said. “Cricket should be about playing, competing, and proving yourself on the field.”
The PCB’s decision has triggered widespread debate within the cricketing fraternity, with several former players and experts questioning whether such standoffs ultimately serve the best interests of the sport or the players involved. As of now, the ICC has yet to announce a final resolution, while uncertainty continues to surround Pakistan’s participation in the tournament.
