The Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohsin Naqvi, has expressed strong disapproval over the treatment of Bangladesh regarding the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, describing it as “unjust.”
Speaking at a press conference in Lahore on Saturday, Naqvi voiced his support for Bangladesh’s request to change venues, urging the International Cricket Council (ICC) to grant the nation the same consideration previously extended to India and Pakistan. “Bangladesh deserves the same fair treatment that has been afforded to other cricketing nations in the past,” he stated firmly.
Naqvi further warned that should Bangladesh be barred from participating in the World Cup, Pakistan would discuss the possibility of withdrawing from the tournament with its government. This marks the first time the PCB chairman has publicly addressed Bangladesh’s exclusion. He added, “Bangladesh is being treated unfairly. I raised the same concern during the ICC board meeting. It is unacceptable to adopt a double standard where one country can make decisions at will, while another is subjected to entirely different rules.”
The controversy follows a letter from ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta to the ICC Board, confirming Bangladesh’s exclusion from the mega-event. The letter reportedly cited that the position and demands of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) were not aligned with ICC policies. Since the BCB did not comply with the ICC board’s decision, the organisation had no choice but to invite an alternative nation to take Bangladesh’s place.
Following the ICC board meeting last Wednesday, Bangladesh was given a 24-hour window to reconsider its decision not to play in India. Subsequently, on Thursday, Asif Nazrul, Adviser for Youth and Sports, met with the players, who reportedly reaffirmed their stance to maintain the original decision.
In Bangladesh’s absence, Scotland has been drafted into Group C. The Scottish team will kick off their World Cup campaign against the West Indies in Kolkata on 7 February. They will then face Italy on 9 February and England on 14 February at the same venue, before concluding the group stage against Nepal in Mumbai on 17 February.
Revised Group C Schedule:
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 7 February | Scotland vs West Indies | Kolkata |
| 9 February | Scotland vs Italy | Kolkata |
| 14 February | Scotland vs England | Kolkata |
| 17 February | Scotland vs Nepal | Mumbai |
The situation has sparked widespread debate across the cricketing world, with calls for the ICC to ensure transparency and fairness in its decision-making process, particularly for emerging cricketing nations like Bangladesh.