Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has labeled the country's decision to boycott the T20 World Cup match against India as a "considered stance" in solidarity
with Bangladesh. The match, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, has been impacted by Bangladesh's withdrawal from its games in India due to security concerns. The Pakistani government has instructed its cricket team to abstain from the match following Bangladesh's replacement by Scotland. Sharif emphasized the importance of keeping politics out of sports during a government meeting, asserting that the decision reflects a clear commitment to supporting Bangladesh.
Government's Position on the Boycott
In a statement, Sharif affirmed, "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." He reiterated the necessity of standing firmly by Bangladesh, describing the boycott as an appropriate decision.Reactions from Bangladesh
As a response to Pakistan's decision, Bangladesh's sports advisor Asif Nazrul expressed gratitude by posting "Thank You, Pakistan" on his official Facebook page, quoting Sharif's remarks.ICC's Warning to Pakistan
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has issued a warning to the Pakistan Cricket Board regarding serious consequences if the team fails to participate in the high-profile match, which is anticipated to generate significant revenue from sponsors, broadcasters, and advertisers.The ICC has urged the PCB to consider the long-term implications for cricket in Pakistan, highlighting the potential impact on the global cricket ecosystem.
