The International Cricket Council has described Pakistan’s stance of playing selected matches at the ICC T20 World Cup as “difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event”.
Pakistan on Thursday said its team will not play against India on February 15 in Colombo but will participate in the ICC T20 World Cup.
The ICC statement was issued hours after Pakistan made the announcement. “The tournament brings together all qualified teams who are expected to participate and compete on an equal footing. Any decision by a nation to select which games they play severely undermines the spirit and sanctity of both the competition and sport.”
“The ICC does not encourage or condone this position. Whilst ICC understands and respects the roles that governments have to play in national matters, this decision is clearly not in the best interests of the global game or the millions of fans around the world including Pakistan who will be disappointed by this decision.”
“The PCB will also need to consider the long-term implications this decision will have on cricket in Pakistan, as this will ultimately impact the global cricket ecosystem it is itself a member and beneficiary of.”
“The ICC has a responsibility to deliver a successful tournament for the global cricket family and that should also be the responsibility of all of its members including the PCB. We expect the PCB to find a way to explore a mutually acceptable solution that protects the interests of all stakeholders.”
ICC statement on Pakistan’s stance on ICC T20 World Cup. Subscribe to Sports Monks to stay updated with today sports news.