New Delhi, February 5: Amid ongoing developments regarding the T20 World Cup, Asif Nazrul, Bangladesh’s youth and sports advisor, expressed gratitude to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Sharif stated that Pakistan’s decision to boycott the match against India was made in support of Bangladesh.
In a Facebook post shared on Thursday, Nazrul emphasized that Pakistan’s decision reflects opposition to Bangladesh’s exclusion. He wrote, “Thank you, Pakistan.”
He referenced comments made by Sharif during a cabinet meeting in Islamabad on Wednesday, where the Prime Minister explained the rationale behind the boycott. Sharif stated, “Pakistan has decided to boycott the match against India in protest against Bangladesh’s removal from the T20 World Cup. I told cabinet members that we will not play against India because politics should not interfere in sports. This decision was made with careful consideration. We must fully stand with Bangladesh. I believe this is the right decision.”
Earlier, the Pakistan government announced that its national cricket team would not participate in the group match against India scheduled for February 15 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) reacted strongly to Pakistan’s decision. In a statement released on Sunday, the ICC urged the Pakistan cricket Board to seek a mutually agreeable solution and warned that selective participation contradicts the spirit of global competition.
The ICC stated that until it receives official information from the Pakistan Cricket Board, such selective involvement is inappropriate. It does not align with the essence of a global tournament where all eligible teams are expected to compete as per the schedule.
Additionally, the ICC emphasized that Pakistan should seriously consider the long-term implications of its actions on the future of cricket in the country and the global cricket framework.
Notably, the Bangladesh government had previously denied permission for its team to travel to India, citing security concerns. Consequently, Scotland was included in the T20 World Cup in place of Bangladesh. Bangladesh had requested to play its matches in Sri Lanka, but the ICC rejected that proposal.
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