Overview:
The PCB is waiting for a final decision from the Pakistan government on whether the team will compete in the T20 World Cup.
The PCB is set to voice its concerns in a second letter to the ICC, questioning the decision to remove Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup and the ICC’s approach in dealing with the matter.
The PCB had previously reached out to the ICC just before the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) deadline to confirm participation, expressing solidarity with Bangladesh‘s concerns about traveling to India.
As per a report from Telecom Asia Sport, the PCB is set to officially express its dissatisfaction to the ICC and notify the governing body of its plans to stage a symbolic protest during the tournament, if Pakistan participates.
“The Pakistan Cricket Board is also expected to send a letter to the ICC regarding the protest during the World Cup,” source told Hindustan Times.
Pakistan players are likely to wear black armbands during the World Cup to protest against the ICC’s decision.
Earlier this month, the PCB addressed the ICC with a letter, which was shared with all board members. In the letter, they backed Bangladesh’s concerns about security and the reluctance to send their team to India for group matches, requesting an alternative venue. Additionally, the PCB offered to host Bangladesh’s matches in Pakistan.
The PCB is waiting for a final decision from the Pakistan government on whether the team will compete in the T20 World Cup. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi had a meeting with the Prime Minister earlier this week, where the discussions included options like a full boycott, forfeiting the match against India, or wearing black armbands. Pakistani media has also mentioned a fourth possibility, dedicating any victories to Bangladesh’s cricket supporters.
A final decision is expected on Monday. Naqvi has earlier criticized the ICC for “double standards,” highlighting how the governing body permitted India to play their Champions Trophy matches in Dubai last year after India declined to travel to Pakistan due to security fears.
“That’s why we’ve taken this position and made it clear that an injustice has been done to Bangladesh. They deserve to play in the World Cup as they are key stakeholders in cricket. There can’t be double standards. You can’t allow one country to act freely while imposing completely different rules on others,” Naqvi said.