Pakistani players back PCB’s ‘principled stance’ regarding T20 World Cup

The players of the Pakistan cricket team have expressed their full support and confidence in the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) “principled stance” regarding the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup.

In a key meeting held in Lahore on Sunday, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi briefed the squad—including Captain Salman Ali Agha and Head Coach Mike Hesson—on the board’s position following the ICC’s recent decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland.

The players lauded the chairman’s approach, particularly the rejection of “double standards” and the decision to stand in solidarity with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

“The Bangladesh Cricket Board’s stance regarding not playing in India in the World Cup is based on principles,” Naqvi said, adding that the PCB supported Bangladesh keeping the golden principles of cricket in mind.

He also said Pakistan will implement whatever decision the government makes “in letter and spirit”. “Politically motivated cricket is not in anyone’s interest; everyone should follow the principles of cricket,” he maintained.

READ MORE: Bangladesh being mistreated, says PCB chairman

A day ago, when asked about a potential boycott of the World Cup during a presser, Naqvi had said the government of Pakistan would make this decision. “We are waiting for the prime minister to return,” he had said, adding a final decision would then be taken.

When asked as to whether he would suggest to the ICC a hybrid model for Bangladesh, similar to the one between Pakistan and India, Naqvi had said, “The thing is that Bangladesh is the same member as Pakistan. And our stance is that if you have done this favour with Pakistan and India, then you should do the same with Bangladesh.”

The PCB chairman had said that one country cannot dictate another and if this dictation is attempted, Pakistan definitely has its own stance. He had said that first the prime minister will make the decision then PCB will think about Plan-B. Let the decision come first from the federal government then the PCB will speak about Plan A, B, C, D, he had added.

In today’s statement, PCB chief Naqvi also expressed best wishes for the national side for the upcoming Pakistan-Australia T20I series.

“Our players are talented and know how to compete in every respect. Success in any field is achieved through teamwork.

“Cricket fans also have their eyes on the Pakistan-Australia series and rightly expect the best performance from them,” he stated.

Team Manager Naveed Akram Cheema, PCB Director High Performance and men’s national selection committee member Aqib Javed, the PCB chief operating officer, director media, director commercial, and other officials were also present on the occasion.

Meanwhile, Pakistan have named a 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup, with Agha as captain.

Pakistan’s 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup:

Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), and Usman Tariq.