Will Pakistan take a U-turn?
After Pakistan announced a boycott of the match against India, the ICC sent its top officials to Lahore to resolve the matter. The meeting held at Gaddafi Stadium was attended by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and BCB Chairman Aminul Islam along with ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja. According to sources, the ICC has made it clear to Pakistan that selective participation in global tournaments like the World Cup is not acceptable and doing so could lead to serious financial and sanctions for the PCB.
Sri Lanka’s emotional appeal shows impact
The role of co-host Sri Lanka has been important in this entire controversy. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) wrote a letter to the PCB reminding them that when Pakistan cricket was facing international boycott, Sri Lanka had visited there and helped in the restoration of cricket. Citing financial constraints, Sri Lanka said that cancellation of the India-Pakistan match would cause huge losses to their tourism and hotel industry. After this emotional card and ICC’s tough stance, Pakistan now seems to be reconsidering its decision. However, three conditions have been set by Pakistan. In such a situation, let us tell you about those conditions.
Pakistan’s three conditions
- Pakistan’s share in ICC’s revenue share should be increased, Pakistan wants the money that ICC gives to all the cricket boards every year. Pakistan’s share should be increased in it.
- ICC should put pressure on BCCI to resume bilateral series with India. In fact, no bilateral series has been played between India and Pakistan since 2013. In such a situation, the series should be started again.
- Handshake protocol should be made mandatory on the field, although the ICC has called it a decision of individual teams. Earlier, Pakistan had tried to invoke the Force Majeure clause citing the government’s instructions, which the ICC rejected outright and called it only a political preference.
bangladesh angle
This whole controversy started when Bangladesh refused to play in India and were replaced by Scotland. Pakistan had threatened to skip the match against India to show solidarity with Bangladesh. Now Aminul Islam’s presence in Lahore is an indication that Bangladesh is also negotiating for his return or compensation. Pakistan’s final decision is expected to be announced by Monday, February 10, as the team has to prepare its strategy for its next match.
