 "Former Pakistani captain Shahid Afridi wants ICC to act impartially on the matter of T20 World Cup. Reuters")
Shahid Afridi has supported Pakistani government’s decision to boycott their match at the T20 World Cup against India and challenged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to prove that the global cricket governing body is “impartial”.
The Government of Pakistan had on Sunday stated that its team will participate in the upcoming T20 World Cup but will not take field against India in the high-voltage encounter in Colombo on February 15. An India vs Pakistan cricket match is among the most watched sporting events in the world and is highly significant for ICC from a financial point of view.
Afridi says Pakistan’s step is regrettable but…
The former Pakistan captain took to X and supported his country’s decision to not play India at the T20 World Cup even as he said that the step taken was “regrettable”.
“I’ve always believed cricket can open doors when politics closes them. It’s regrettable that Pakistan won’t play India at the #T20WorldCup, but I stand behind my government’s decision," Afridi wrote on the social media platform.
He also put the ball in ICC’s court, challenging the global body to act in a manner that is “fair to every member.”
“This is the moment for @ICC to lead and prove through decisions, not statements, that it is impartial, independent and fair to every member,” Afridi added in his post.
Afridi has been previously in controversy for his outspoken demeanour. The former all-rounder did not support India’s call to boycott a match against Pakistan in a veteran’s tournament last year. At that time, he stated that politics and cricket should not be mixed together. However, this time his tunes have changed.
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View AllPakistan are yet to provide a reason for their boycott and reports state that the cricket board in the country is yet to formally inform ICC about its decision.
ICC tells PCB to rethink
Reacting to the development, ICC has urged PCB to rethink its decision in the larger interest of cricket in Pakistan and the entire world.
“The ICC’s priority remains the successful delivery of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup which should also be the responsibility of all its members including the PCB. It expects the PCB to explore a mutually acceptable resolution, which protects the interests of all stakeholders,” ICC had said in its statement after Pakistan’s boycott announcement.
“While the ICC respects the roles of governments in matters of national policy, this decision is not in the interest of the global game or the welfare of fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan. The ICC hopes that the PCB will consider the significant and long-term implications for cricket in its own country as this is likely to impact the global cricket ecosystem, which it is itself a member and beneficiary of,” ICC added.