Sports Desk //

The duel between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) over the T20 World Cup on Indian soil is now at its peak. Bangladesh is adamant on its decision not to go to India due to security concerns. Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Shetty has expressed full support for the BCB’s decision. At the same time, questioning the impartiality of the ICC, he commented that the organization must prove they are not the ‘Indian Cricket Council’.

In an interview with Pakistani media outlet Geo Super, Najam Shetty applauded the BCB’s decision. He said, ‘Bangladesh has taken an absolutely correct and strong position by boycotting the World Cup. There was a valid reason behind their decision. Because there are tensions and threats there (in India). But the ICC did not give importance to the matter. They were biased towards India and the decision was made according to India’s choice.’

Strongly criticizing the ICC’s role, the former PCB chairman said, ‘ICC should stop taking India’s side on every issue. Other countries should also stand up now. Once that happens, ICC will understand that it is not just the Indian Cricket Council, it is the International Cricket Council.’

Last Thursday, Pakistani media Geo News reported that if Bangladesh boycotts the World Cup, Pakistan may also follow the same path. Although the PCB has not officially said anything yet. However, Najam Sethi has urged the current PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi to take a tough decision.

He said, ‘Boycotting the World Cup will be a difficult decision for the PCB. But I will support such a decision. Mohsin Naqvi understands cricket well. If he decides to boycott the World Cup by following the path shown by Bangladesh, then I will be by his side. He should stick to that decision.’

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