🏏 Pakistan Stands with Bangladesh, India Clash in Limbo
Pakistan has opted out of their Group A fixture against India, a move framed not as defiance but solidarity. The decision comes after Bangladesh were removed from the tournament for refusing to play in India, citing security concerns—echoing tensions that flared with Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL expulsion.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi didn’t mince words, blasting the ICC for “double standards” that punish smaller boards while bending rules for the powerful. His criticism carries weight because this isn’t the first time Pakistan’s voice has been ignored.
During the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Naqvi had formally requested that India be swapped into another group. His reasoning was clear: “Since we as Pakistanis are getting this event after so many years, we would like to play our group games within Pakistan.” That query was brushed aside, leaving Pakistan once again sidelined in its own backyard.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reinforced the current stance on Thursday, confirming Pakistan will not play, prioritizing backing for Bangladesh over the lure of a blockbuster rivalry.
Rumors swirl of back‑channel talks and ICC pleas to salvage the marquee clash, but the official line is firm. The tournament, underway since February 7 across India and Sri Lanka, now carries a shadow: the absence of cricket’s most watched rivalry.
This isn’t just about one game. It’s about power, fairness, and who gets to call the shots in world cricket. For Pakistan, the choice is clear—solidarity over spectacle, principle over pressure.
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