Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif launches missile on BCCI, drops ultra-hypocritical statement

For the first time, any official related to the PCB or the Pakistan government has spoken about the team's decision to boycott the T20 World Cup fixture against India. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has made their standpoint clear through a thorough statement to his cabinet members.

Bangladesh's demands were not met by the ICC ahead of the World Cup, and hence, they decided to boycott the tournament. However, ICC did not resort to convincing them but rather quickly announced their replacement and brought Scotland on board for the World Cup.

During the ICC general body meeting, which made the decision on the Scotland team replacing Bangladesh rather than rescheduling the fixture to some other venue, 14 members voted in favour of the decision, while only 2 were against it, which included PCB, other than the BCB themselves.

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PM Sharif cites 'politics' for boycotting India game

After Bangladesh boycotted the ICC T20 World Cup, it was not a decision made by the BCB but a direct announcement by the Bangladesh government advisor; the issue went on to be all political. Bangladesh have been backed by its biggest ally, Pakistan.

Pakistan on Sunday confirmed their participation in the ICC T20 World Cup but also announced a boycott of the match against India on the 15th of February at the R. Premadasa Stadium. The Pakistan Prime Minister spoke of the same and has said that this decision was made to show solidarity with Bangladesh, and they stand by it.

"We have taken a very clear stand on the T20 World Cup that we won't play the match against India because there should be no politics on the sports field," Sharif told members of his cabinet on Wednesday.

"We have taken a very considered stance, and we should completely stand by Bangladesh, and I think this is a very appropriate decision," he explained.

Mohsin Naqvi had earlier slammed the ICC's double standards

PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi, who is also one of the members of the Internal Ministry of the PM's cabinet, had earlier attacked the ICC for its double standards and its biased treatment of cricket boards.

After the ICC made its point clear to Bangladesh, Naqvi cited India not travelling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy in 2025 and created a major controversy, calling the ICC's move biased and having double standards.

"You can't say for one country [India] they can do whatever they want and for the others to have to do the complete opposite. That's why we've taken this stand, and made clear Bangladesh have had an injustice done to them. They should play in the World Cup, they are a major stakeholder in cricket," Naqvi said earlier.

Pakistan government's decision on the India vs Pakistan knockout clash awaited

It is not known whether the PCB has officially notified the ICC of their standpoint or whether any contact or negotiations have been established or started between these two boards. The ICC have issued a statement where they wanted the PCB to arrive at a mutually acceptable resolution, and if not, then be aware of the long-term consequences.

Though as of now the Pakistan government have only spoken about the group-stage game, and a decision is awaited for the knockouts of the tournament. PCB has, however, left it entirely to the Pakistan government to decide and said in their statement that they would be abiding by all decisions made by the Shehbaz Sharif government.

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