Newzdaddy Cricket Updates
ICC World Cup 2023
In response to the Pakistani government forming a high-level committee to determine their participation in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, the former chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed his disapproval, condemning the government for intertwining sports and politics. Khalid Mahmood, the ex-PCB Chief, questioned the rationale behind establishing such a committee.
While acknowledging that there is no justification for India’s refusal to tour Pakistan, Mahmood emphasized that handling such matters at the international level should not involve forming a committee of ministers. He argued that the government’s decision contradicted its own policy of keeping politics separate from sports.
Mahmood stated that evaluating the security situation before sending the team to India would be a reasonable approach. However, openly stating that Pakistan would boycott the World Cup if India did not tour Pakistan amounts to mixing politics and sports, which has never been done before. Mahmood also raised concerns about the government’s deep involvement in PCB affairs and questioned their authority in deciding whether the team should participate in the World Cup 2023.
Drawing from his experience as PCB Chairman in 1999, Mahmood recalled how, despite threats from India, they assessed the security situation independently by sending a delegation to India. They concluded that it was safe for the team to tour India and conveyed their willingness to do so to the government. He stressed that the sensible course of action now is for Pakistan to participate in the mega event to avoid potential sanctions and strained relations with other cricket boards.
Mahmood emphasized the importance of honoring the decision made by former Chairman Najam Sethi regarding the Asia Cup. He expressed concerns that Zaka Ashraf, the current PCB representative attending ICC meetings, may face an uncomfortable situation due to the committee’s formation and the statements made by Minister Ahsan Mazari.
Rephrased article with a suggested title: “Former PCB Chief Criticizes Pakistani Government’s Committee Over World Cup 2023 Decision”