Having held the position of Pakistan Cricket Board chairman in three separate tenures, Najam Sethi understands that issues off the cricket field can sometimes garner just as much attention as a lively crowd at a full stadium.
The seasoned Pakistani cricket administrator and journalist is not expecting quick progress in resolving the situation between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following the Pakistani government’s decision to boycott the high-profile T20 World Cup game against India scheduled for February 15.
This drastic decision to skip cricket’s major attraction was taken as a protest after Bangladesh was excluded from the World Cup for not participating due to security concerns. Pakistan argued that the ICC should have rescheduled Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka, akin to the scenario where India played its matches at the 2025 Champions Trophy in Dubai after its government declined to send its team to Pakistan due to security fears.
By opting out of the match against India, Pakistan aims to express its solidarity with Bangladesh. It is noteworthy that any India-Pakistan clash typically generates approximately $400 million in revenue.
This raises the question: Will the ICC take action against Pakistan for this audacious stance, which has left broadcasters and advertisers unsettled? Alternatively, can both parties resolve their differences before February 15 to facilitate this critical match?
In an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times, Sethi remarked that predicting the outcome is as challenging as facing legendary bowler Wasim Akram. He recounted an unusual incident where officials from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refused to meet him in Mumbai despite an invitation for discussions about a bilateral series with Pakistan, sparking a contentious dispute between the two cricket boards.
Excerpts:
Q. Everyone is surprised by Pakistan’s bold decision, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif affirming the country’s support for Bangladesh…
Sethi noted that the Prime Minister’s remarks align closely with those made by Mohsin Naqvi, the current PCB chairman, during the ICC meeting regarding Bangladesh’s treatment. He emphasized the unity between Pakistan and Bangladesh against perceived unfairness, highlighting a broader public and international sentiment that supports their decision.
