Amid the ongoing drama surrounding the upcoming T20 World Cup, Bangladesh’s Youth and Sports Advisor, Asif Nazrul, expressed gratitude towards Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Sharif had announced Pakistan’s decision to boycott their match against India as a gesture of solidarity with Bangladesh after the country was removed from the tournament. In a Facebook post, Nazrul appreciated Pakistan’s stance as a form of protest against Bangladesh’s exclusion from the multi-nation event.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shahbaz Sharif, elaborated on the boycott decision during a cabinet meeting in Islamabad. He emphasized that the move was a deliberate choice to support Bangladesh and avoid mixing politics with sports. The Pakistan government had earlier declared that their national cricket team would not participate in the T20 World Cup group-stage match against India scheduled at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium on February 15.
In response to Pakistan’s selective participation, the International Cricket Council (ICC) issued a stern statement, urging the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to find a mutually agreeable solution. The ICC emphasized that such actions undermine the principles of fair global competition, highlighting the importance of all qualified teams competing on equal terms as per the event schedule. The ICC also raised concerns about the potential long-term impact on cricket in Pakistan and the global cricket ecosystem.
Bangladesh’s exclusion from the T20 World Cup led to their replacement by Scotland after the Bangladeshi government declined to permit the team to travel to India due to security reasons. Despite Bangladesh’s request to relocate their matches to Sri Lanka, the ICC rejected the proposal, resulting in their removal from the tournament.
