Everyone is eyeing the decision the ICC will take if the PCB sticks to its stand of not playing against India. Sanctions and bans could be imposed on Pakistani cricket, and things could get dark for the country, which mainly generates revenue from cricket. Amid this, former ICC communications chief Sami-ul-Hasan Burney on Monday made his comments on the following controversy.
Sami-ul-Hasan supports PCB
Sami-ul-Hasan Burney believes that PCB will not bow to the possibility of sanctions from the ICC over their decision to boycott the match against Suryakumar Yadav’s side. The decision was taken after Bangladesh were removed from the T20 World Cup following their request to change the venue of the World Cup group matches from India, citing security reasons. PCB was the only party to support Bangaldesh, but after their replacement, ACC president Mohsin Naqvi criticized the apex body.
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While talking to PTI, Sami-ul-Hasan Burney was asked whether Bangladesh’s conflict with India was Pakistan’s struggle.
He said: “We can agree, we can disagree with this decision, we can argue… but when the government makes a decision, they are looking at something bigger than what you and I see. These are not easy decisions to make. They must have spoken to a lot of people, taken expert advice and looked at the legal side. I am sure there would have been an extensive exercise before the government of Pakistan took that decision.”
“As for the sanctions or the losses you’re talking about, that one match could cost $250 million, which explains everything, not just the broadcaster’s loss. Pakistan’s annual revenue is $35.5 million, so there’s a big difference.”
Pakistan Cricket is not dependent on revenue?
Sami-ul-Hasan Burney believes that the board would have thought of the consequences before taking a stand on the ongoing rift. He, who mainly worked as a media director for PCB and worked at the ICC headquarters, also believes that Pakistan cricket is unlikely to be in trouble due to financial pressure, having survived long spells in cricket without having played in India.
Sami-ul-Hasan said: “Unlike other countries, Pakistan has not hosted India in a bilateral series for 20 years. They were also forced to play offshore, mainly in the UAE, between 2009 and 2019, but still managed to win major tournaments, the 2009 T20 World Cup and the 2017 Champions Trophy. So yes, there will be financial implications, but if the Pakistan Cricket Board could survive that 20-year period without facing India play, they will be able to hold on again.”
Pakistan is isolated by other board members
So far, Pakistan has not received support from any other board for their stand and the country is under deep water with the possibility of being banned from playing cricket.
The ICC will convene an emergency meeting to find a solution.
Also read: No allies: Pakistan, Mohsin Naqvi left begging as CA, ECB brazenly refuse support amid India standoff
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