Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has dismissed the notion of bowing to India’s cricketing terms, declaring that the “time to beg India” for bilateral matches is over.
Speaking at the launch of a club-level T20 tournament in Lahore, Naqvi was asked by Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net) about Indian government’s recent stance of refusing bilateral cricket ties while continuing to meet Pakistan in multinational events.
We have a clear stance. If India doesn’t play with us, then we are also not playing with them. The time to beg India to play cricket with us is over. Cricket with India is now on equal terms. If they don’t tour us, we will also not tour them. It is equal.
ICC ‘Fusion Formula’ in Place
Naqvi pointed out that the PCB had already secured an arrangement with the International Cricket Council (ICC) that allows the arch-rivals to avoid touring each other in ICC events until 2027. This formula was adopted after India refused to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy due to political tensions.
Asia Cup Brings a Positive Sign
Despite his strong words on bilateral cricket, Naqvi welcomed India’s participation in the Asia Cup, which kicks off in Dubai on September 9.
India playing the Asia Cup means they are not mixing politics with cricket. We hope the Asia Cup will be held successfully, and I think other things will also improve.
Backing Players Against Criticism
The PCB chief also urged fans and media to show restraint in their criticism of the national team.
After just one defeat, fans and media start lashing out at the team, which hurts the players. Criticise where it’s due, but unnecessary criticism is unfair. I am convinced our team will do well in the Asia Cup.
No Interference in Selection
Naqvi firmly denied involvement in the exclusion of former captains Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the squads for the upcoming tri-series and the Asia Cup.
I never interfered in team selection. It is done by the selection committee, and I have full faith in them.
On the subject of ODI captaincy, he added: “The change in ODI captaincy will also be done by the selection committee, not by me. Our head coach has submitted his report on the ODI series, which is under consideration.”
Pakistan recently suffered a 2-1 series defeat in the West Indies – their first such loss to them in 34 years.
