Expresses gratitude to all parties for their roles; Sri Lankan president urges Pakistan to play as well
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi (C) during meeting with BCB President Aminul Islam (L) and ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja. Photo: PCB
PAKISTAN:
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) formally requested Pakistan on Monday to play their high-stakes February 15 clash against India in the T20 World Cup.
The World Cup, featuring 20 teams divided into four groups, began on Saturday. Pakistan opened its campaign with a victory over the Netherlands in a Group A fixture on February 7. Originally, Bangladesh had been included in the slate but requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to shift its matches from India to Sri Lanka after its star player, Mustafeezur Rehman, was released from the Indian Premier League following objections from ruling party activists. The ICC declined the request and replaced Bangladesh with Scotland.
Pakistan took a principled stand in support of Bangladesh and protested the ICC’s decision, a move that further strained relations with the governing body. The federal government also ordered the team not to play the match against India in Colombo.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi held prolonged discussions with Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam and an ICC delegation, including Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja, at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday over the Pakistan–India T20 World Cup row. The ICC is expected to inform the PCB within the next couple of days of its response to Pakistan’s conditions and proposals. In the next phase, Naqvi is set to brief Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the matters discussed. He made it clear during the talks that the final decision rests with the Government of Pakistan.
In a statement issued today, the BCB president said: “Following my short visit to Pakistan yesterday and given the forthcoming outcomes of our discussions, I request Pakistan to play the ICC T20 World Cup game on February 15 against India for the benefit of the entire cricket eco system.”
The statement expressed gratitude to the PCB, ICC and all involved parties for their “positive roles in trying to overcome recent challenges”.
In particular, the BCB said it wished to express its “profound and heartfelt gratitude” to Naqvi, the PCB and the cricket fans of Pakistan.
“Throughout this period, the PCB has demonstrated exemplary sportsmanship and solidarity,” it said.
The statement quoted Islam as saying “We are deeply moved by Pakistan’s efforts to go above and beyond in supporting Bangladesh during this period. Long may our brotherhood flourish.”
The statement came after Naqvi addressed a press conference in Lahore after the auction for the Pakistan Super League’s Multan team.
“The issue was one between the ICC and Bangladesh. We could not allow Bangladesh’s point of view to let go of [unheard]; they are our brothers. Matters are underway and the ICC and Bangladesh board are in that phase where it won’t be appropriate if I say more so I myself am waiting for information from them and then we will tell you,” he said.
Questioned about reports of a restriction or fine on Pakistan for its decision, the PCB chief said: “I am not afraid of a threat, nor the government and you know about the field marshal so that is why there is no issue.”
On reports about Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates trying to mediate in the matter, Naqvi confirmed that several countries, including allied nations, were involved in the matter and briefed on Pakistan’s perspective.
“Let’s see what happens. You will have an idea soon.”
PM Shehbaz discusses issue with Sri Lankan president
Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also discussed the issue with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
“‘Pakistani cricket team should play the Pakistan-India match held in Sri Lanka,’ Sri Lankan president’s request to Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif,” said a statement from the PM Office.
The president said that Pakistan had fully supported Sri Lankan cricket during the terrorism in the country.l
“Pakistan gave priority to its long-standing relations with Sri Lanka above all else and the Pakistani cricket team continued to tour Sri Lanka to play cricket despite the terrorism,” the statement quoted the president as saying.
It added that PM Shehbaz welcomed the sentiments and said, in turn, that Sri Lanka had also provided full support in difficult times in Pakistan and continued to play cricket in the country.
“Recently, the Sri Lankan team took an unforgettable step for the Pakistani nation and cricket fans by not cancelling the tour of Pakistan,” he said.
PM Shehbaz told the Sri Lankan president that he would inform him of the final decision after consultations regarding the Pakistan-India T20 World Cup match.
