The decision to boycott the match against India in the T-20 World Cup was retracted by Pakistan, leading to significant discussions within the country. Many Pakistani cricketers have hailed this as a 'victory for Pakistan'.
On a recent show, former Pakistani cricketer Rashid Latif expressed, 'The Sri Lankan President thanked Pakistan for this decision, indicating that the issue transcended sports, as governments were involved. This decision was crucial for the interests of Bangladesh and other associate cricket members, as revenue sharing from the India-Pakistan match benefits these member countries.'
Latif further stated, 'We did this for them. Pakistan has bowed to the ICC. The impact will be felt soon, and our importance in international cricket will increase.'
Ahmad Shahzad, another cricketer, commented, 'We made a mature decision. Bangladesh needed compensation, which they received. We decided to play against India for our friendly nations. We could have demanded more revenue sharing, but we chose dignity.'
He added, 'Now, politics should not interfere, and the matter should be closed. No one should say we won or they won.'
On the other hand, former Pakistani cricketer Sikander Bakht said, 'If India had such difficulties, they would have refused to play with us. But they didn't. The ICC allowed Pakistan to play, knowing that cricket cannot exist without Pakistan. We are essential for cricket. We made this decision for our friendly nations. It's a good decision, and we have won in this matter.'
Regarding the decision, BCCI Vice-President Rajiv Shukla said, 'The ICC's initiative led to the conversation, monitored by the ICC Chairman and representatives from the Pakistan Cricket Board and Bangladesh Cricket Board. I am delighted with the outcome. This is a good solution. The ICC deserves full credit. I appreciate the ICC's initiative and its role in bringing Pakistan to the negotiation table.'
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said, 'The BCCI is the strongest cricket body, yet it relies on the PCB. The PCB decided whether to play or not. Pakistan agreed to play because of the penalty for not playing. Profit is more important for the BCCI.'
Former cricketer Atul Wassan said, 'It's a drama. They either refuse, get angry, or agree, all for their satisfaction. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka requested, so they agreed. We showed the ICC the strength of India, so they have all these misunderstandings. There's no cure for it.'
