United News of Bangladesh

The uncertainty about Bangladesh’s participation in the T20 World Cup in India amid security concerns continues as Pakistan may also join Bangladesh in protest. Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi has thrown his full weight behind current chairman Mohsin Naqvi amid growing speculation that Pakistan may join Bangladesh in boycotting the upcoming T20 World Cup in India. Speaking on Friday, Sethi endorsed the potential hardline stance, asserting that it is time for the International Cricket Council (ICC) to realize its global mandate goes beyond a single nation. The tournament, scheduled to begin on February 7, faces a deepening crisis after the ICC rejected the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) request to shift their matches out of India due to security concerns. The standoff began after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directed an IPL franchise to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman, prompting Dhaka to cite a hostile environment. Despite a 24-hour ultimatum from the ICC to comply with the schedule, the BCB has stood firm and referred the matter to the ICC's Dispute Resolution Committee. Read More: Captain Mahedi leads Chattogram Royals to BPL final Reports emerged on Thursday suggesting that Pakistan, the 2009 champions, might withdraw from the tournament if Bangladesh pulls out. Sethi expressed confidence in Naqvi’s handling of the delicate situation. “Mohsin Naqvi understands the game and has a good understanding of all aspects. Whatever decision Mohsin Naqvi makes will be right,” Sethi said. Sethi welcomed the resistance from Dhaka, viewing it as a necessary check on India's dominance in world cricket. He argued that a united front is essential for the health of the game. “If other countries stand up after Pakistan, the ICC will realise that this is not the Indian Cricket Council, but the International Cricket Council,” Sethi said, signaling that a collective boycott could be the catalyst for a major shift in cricket's power dynamics.