Money Talks, Nobody Would Say No To India In The Same Situation - Usman Khawaja Reacts To Teams Pulling Out Of Pakistan Tours

Australia batsman Usman Khawaja has reacted to the New Zealand and England teams pulling out of their tours of Pakistan recently. He reckoned the same teams wouldn’t dare to withdraw from travelling and playing in wealthy cricketing nations such as India, if the same situation arises.

Last week, the Kiwis decided to abandon their Pakistan tour, minuted before the first ODI was to be played, citing security concerns. A few days later, the ECB pulled out their men’s and women’s tours in October, leaving the PCB reeling with heavy financial losses.

Usman Khawaja, who was born in Pakistan before shifting to Sydney at age five, stated that in such matters “money talks” in a large sense to these boards.

“I feel it’s very easy for players and organisations to say no to Pakistan, because it’s Pakistan. I think the same thing would apply too, if it were Bangladesh. But nobody would say no to India, if they’re in the same situation. Money talks, we all know that, and that’s probably a big part of it,” Usman Khawaja was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

Pakistan keep proving time and again that they’re a safe place to play cricket: Usman Khawaja

Usman Khawaja further highlighted that since the past few years as international cricket slowly returned to Pakistan, the country’s government and the PCB have proven that they are safe to host international matches.

The left-hander said other cricketers who have played in the PSL have also praised the security offered in Pakistan.

“They keep proving time and time again through their tournaments that they’re a safe place to play cricket. I think there’s no reason why we shouldn’t go back.

“There’s a lot of security. Heavy, heavy security. I’ve heard nothing but reports about people feeling safe. Even talking to the guys during the PSL about what it’s like…they would say the same thing to me ‘like 10 years ago, maybe not, but now 100 percent’,” the 34-year-old batsman added.

Usman Khawaja, the Queensland captain, will be aiming to make a return to Australia’s Test squad for the Ashes later in the year. He was dropped from the side following disappointing returns during the 2019 Ashes in England.

Also Read: Afghanistan Wants To Host Pakistan For A Bilateral ODI Series: ACB Chief Azizullah Fazl