PCB gives fresh threat to ICC [Source: AFP Photo]
Pakistan is once again set to poke its nose in the India-Bangladesh tussle as the PCB is set to send an official letter to the ICC, expressing its displeasure over Bangladesh’s expulsion from the T20 World Cup. Earlier, they had voiced their support for Bangladesh’s concern of travelling to India due to security threats.
There is no confirmation on Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup, and with just a few days left for the marquee event, the Asian team has once again provoked the ICC by lodging an official complaint and has also planned a symbolic protest should the team play in the T20 World Cup.
Pakistan players to wear black armband in T20 World Cup
According to a report by Telecom Asia Sport: “Pakistan Cricket Board is also due to write a letter to the ICC about the protest during the World Cup.”
If given permission by the ICC, the Pakistan players are set to wear a black armband, as a mark of protest against the ICC decision.
PCB awaits government call as T20 World Cup hangs in jeopardy
This is not the first time PCB is threatening the ICC by its unnecessary actions. Earlier this month, the board had written their first letter to the ICC members, where they stood firm with Bangladesh and even offered them a chance to play their T20 World Cup group stage matches in Pakistan.
With Bangladesh getting replaced by Scotland in the World Cup, Pakistan is furious, and recently, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met the Pakistan Prime Minister to discuss the future course of action. A final decision is likely to be taken by next Monday, and there is a possibility that the side can pull out of the marquee event.
Various options have been put forward in front of the Pakistan team. One is boycotting the entire event, the second one is only boycotting the India clash on February 15, and also dedicating victories towards the Bangladesh supporters.
Consequences PCB could face if they pull out of T20 World Cup
If the Men in Green decide to pull the trigger and boycott the ICC event, then they could face severe consequences in the near future. There could be an immediate freeze on all bilateral matches.
Moreover, ICC holds enough power to advise the other cricketing nations against touring Pakistan for any bilateral games. The nation also holds the annual Pakistan Super League (PSL), and the league heavily depends on foreign stars to uplift the tournament.
ICC could ask the cricketing boards not to issue any NOC for their players, and this would bar them from travelling to play in PSL.
Apart from these restrictions, PCB could also face monetary losses, as they could lose an estimated $32-35 million (approx. ₹300+ crore) in annual revenue share from the ICC. This would hamper Pakistan's cricket as they won’t have the necessary funds to develop cricket in the nation, and there won’t be any upgrade on the existing stadiums.
However, these are all reports, and a final ICC decision on the punishments Pakistan could receive will be known if the nation decides against playing in the T20 World Cup.




