Najam Sethi, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) management committee, has provided a response to former cricketer Shahid Afridi’s comments about the possibility of Pakistan boycotting the World Cup in India due to the Asia Cup venue controversy. Sethi emphasizes that the decision lies with the Indian and Pakistani governments, highlighting the significance of the Pakistani government’s assurance regarding the team’s security.
In his statement, Afridi expressed confusion over the PCB’s unwavering stance on not participating in the World Cup in India. He urged the board to simplify the situation, view the international cricket tournament positively, and encourage the players to strive for victory, highlighting the support of the entire nation. Afridi also suggested that a Pakistani triumph in the World Cup would serve as a strong message to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Responding to Afridi’s remarks, Najam Sethi clarified that the decision regarding Pakistan’s participation in the World Cup did not rest with Afridi, himself, Jay Shah (the BCCI secretary), or Sethi. He stated that the ultimate decision-making authority resided with the respective governments, namely the Indian government and the Pakistani government.
Sethi emphasized that if the Pakistani government ensured the PCB of the team’s safety during travel and participation in the World Cup in India, Pakistan would certainly take part in the tournament. He underscored that the PCB’s position depended on receiving clearance from the Pakistani government concerning the security situation prevailing in India.
Sethi reiterated that the final decision regarding Pakistan’s participation in the World Cup rested with the respective governments. Until the security situation was deemed satisfactory, the PCB would carefully evaluate and consider all relevant factors before making a conclusive determination. The assurance and support from the Pakistani government would play a crucial role in the PCB’s decision-making process.
The decision of whether Pakistan will participate in the World Cup lies with the Indian and Pakistani governments. Najam Sethi, the chairman of the PCB management committee, responded to Shahid Afridi’s criticism and emphasized that the PCB’s stance hinged upon the clearance from the Pakistani government regarding the security situation in India. The PCB will thoroughly assess the circumstances and take into account various factors before making a final determination on Pakistan’s participation in the World Cup.
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