Overview:
Former Test batter Haroon Rasheed, who has previously served as head coach of both senior and junior teams as well as chief selector, felt that Pakistan should feature in the World Cup.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) hasn’t confirmed their team’s place in the T20 World Cup after openly supporting Bangladesh in the venue conflict with the ICC. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has hinted that Pakistan’s participation is uncertain, with a final decision expected by Friday or Monday after discussions with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. As the tournament nears, the PCB’s stance is facing backlash from former players and officials who are cautioning against taking a big step.
Former Pakistan Test captain Mohammad Hafeez is against the idea of not sending the team to the World Cup, while former PCB Chairman Khalid Mahmood and secretary Arif Ali Abbasi both questioning the logic behind the decision to withhold participation.
“I understand Pakistan’s support for Bangladesh, but what does the PCB hope to accomplish by not sending the team, other than damaging its relationship with the ICC and other member boards?” Mohammad Hafeez said.
Abbasi, who served the PCB during the era of Jagmohan Dalmiya and IS Bindra, insisted that Pakistan should go ahead and compete in the T20 World Cup.
“What about our ties with Sri Lanka? Naturally, Sri Lanka would incur losses if Pakistan opts out, as all our fixtures including the match against India, are scheduled to be played there,” he said.
Mahmood mentioned that PCB should stay rational and aligned with the long-term interests of Pakistan cricket.
“We must keep in mind that apart from Pakistan, no other cricket board backed Bangladesh’s request to shift matches out of India. While I understand the Bangladesh board’s position, the reality is that they did not receive support from anyone during the ICC meeting,” Mahmood said.
Ex-Test cricketer and former chief selector and head coach Mohsin Khan also called on the PCB to go ahead and send the team to the T20 World Cup.
“We do have differences with India, but all of our matches are scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka.”
He added that media reports suggested the Bangladesh Board was unlikely to file any appeal or mount a challenge against the ICC’s call to leave them out of the T20 World Cup.
“So on what basis would the PCB refuse to send its team to the World Cup? That would only harm our cricket,” he warned.
Ex-Pakistan skippers Inzamam-ul-Haq and M0hammad Yousuf warned that the board must weigh every aspect before taking a final call.
“I would personally like Pakistan to take part in the World Cup. We have quality players, and our cricket needs to see the team performing strongly on the big stage,” Inzamam said.
Former Test batter Haroon Rasheed, who has previously served as head coach of both senior and junior teams as well as chief selector, felt that Pakistan should feature in the World Cup, as there was no strong justification to withdraw.
“We stood by Bangladesh, and that was the right move. We acted on principle, but now it’s equally important to focus on what serves our own cricket interests,” he said.