Cricket diplomacy takes a secretive turn as Pakistan’s PCB refuses to alert the ICC about the government’s boycott of the February 15 World Cup match against India. Publicly announced on social media, the decision remains unofficial to cricket’s global governing body, per source-driven reports.
In Lahore consultations, PM Shehbaz Sharif heeded advice from veteran administrator Najam Sethi for uncompromising action, drawing parallels to India’s 2016 series reneging. While endorsing the team’s World Cup role starting February 7, the nod excludes India.
PCB sources dismiss formal notice needs: ‘Government platforms suffice as official channels.’ This hush-hush approach aims to dodge direct confrontation, ignoring ICC’s push for consensus amid governmental override.
ICC’s firm stance prohibits selective play, hinting at penalties. Broadcasters face crippling losses sans the marquee matchup, primed for legal recourse. Pakistan, post-legal review, vows solidarity with PCB against repercussions.
With the tournament on the horizon, this Indo-Pak impasse tests cricket’s resilience against nationalistic fervor, captivating audiences and stakeholders alike.