 "Pakistani team have been suggested to withdraw from the T20 World Cup. AFP")
Former Pakistan skipper and wicket-keeper Rashid Latif has advised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to pull out of the upcoming T20 World Cup in solidarity with Bangladesh who have essentially boycotted the tournament saying that they cannot travel to India due to security issues.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has said that Bangladesh’s demands of shifting their matches outside India cannot be accepted with only weeks left before the start of the event. Bangladesh Cricket Board and the government of the country has also remained adamant in their demand of not travelling to India no matter what. This could mean that Bangladesh will be replaced by Scotland in the World Cup starting February 7.
Latif wants Pakistan to boycott T20 World Cup
Latif, who played for Pakistan from 1992 to 2003, has urged PCB to pull out from the tournament in order to challenge the current ecosystem of the cricketing world.
“If Pakistan and India don’t happen, 50 per cent of your World Cup is gone. This is a great opportunity to challenge the existing cricket order,” Latif said on the YouTube channel CaughtBehindShow.
“Pakistan should say they stand with Bangladesh and refuse to play the T20 World Cup. This is the time to take a stand. You need a strong heart to do it," he added.
The former wicket-keeper said that Bangladesh’s stance is correct in not travelling to India. He said that ICC’s decision of not accommodating was wrong and Pakistan should stand with Bangladesh even if there are future consequences.
“The trump card is still with Pakistan. Bangladesh’s stance is right. Pakistan won’t get a better opportunity than this. Pakistan not playing would be like stopping the World Cup. Pakistan is the key. Yes, Pakistan could suffer in the future. There could be sanctions if Pakistan refuses to play ICC events. But there is no use of just words — now is the time to show who you support,” he added.