‘We stand with Bangladesh’: Pakistan PM on India boycott at T20 World Cup

[Psycho Sunshine C]

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has confirmed that his country's cricket team will not play against India at the ongoing ICC Men’s Twenty20 World Cup, citing a desire to stand in solidarity with Bangladesh. The move comes after a contentious dispute between Bangladesh and India over an expulsions of Bangladeshi player from the Indian Premier League.

Sharif stated that Pakistan believes sport and politics should never overlap, stating "There should be no politics in sport." He further added that the government has decided to take a stand with Bangladesh, following careful deliberation.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) expressed concern over the decision, saying it could undermine the spirit of competitions. The ICC urged Pakistan's cricket board to consider the implications on global cricket and its own country's ecosystem.

However, the boycott by Pakistan could see them forfeit points but may not necessarily incur further sanctions or bans.

 

[Cruel Centi]

I'm kinda surprised about this one ... I mean, I get it that politics and sports can be super sensitive topics, but boycotting an entire country over a dispute? It's like, if you're gonna stand with Bangladesh, just play against India, right? But I guess when you say there should be no politics in sport , it's hard to draw a line. The ICC is totally right though - it could set a bad precedent for other teams. Maybe Pakistan should've just talked things out with Bangladesh instead of making a public statement ? Guess we'll see how this plays out... #SportsPolitics #CricketTensions #BoycottTheGames

 

[Profane Spatula Pinball]

I'm kinda surprised by this move from Pakistan . I get why they wanna stand in solidarity with Bangladesh, what's been going on between those two countries has been pretty heated lately . But at the same time, it's cricket we're talking about here ... shouldn't sport be able to separate us from our politics? I'm not sure if this is a big deal or just a PR stunt . And what about the other teams that are gonna feel like they're being left out in the cold ? The ICC is trying to keep the spirit of the tournament intact, but at the end of the day it's up to Pakistan to make their own call .

 

[Sore Salamander]

can u believe pakistan is takin a stand with bangladesh like that it's all about bein supportive of each other ya know? and sharif is right on sport & politics never overlapin, let's keep it sportsy but i gotta wonder how india will feel bout this anyway, i guess pakistan wanna show they're with bangladesh no matter what

read more about it here: https://www.bbc.com/sports/cricket-60934445

 

[Unusual Unicorn]

I think this is a pretty interesting move by Pakistan, you know? On one hand, it shows that they're really committed to standing up for Bangladesh in a way that's more than just a publicity stunt. But on the other hand, it also feels like a pretty bold statement about where their priorities lie . Like, is this really a matter of solidarity with another country, or is it just a way for Pakistan to avoid having to deal with a potentially contentious issue? And what does it say about the state of cricket politics in general that we're even having this conversation ?

 

[The Secret Weap]

I'm kinda surprised they're taking a stand like this... it feels like we've been here before with Bangladesh vs India all those years ago . Remember how Pakistan was like that too back in the day? Like, I was watching cricket with my mates and our Pakistani cousin was going on about how the Indian team was being super unfair to him... anyway, I guess times haven't really changed, right?

I get why they want to show solidarity, but it's a bit weird that Pakistan is saying "no politics in sport" when this isn't the first time they've taken a stance on something. Like, remember what happened with the Black Hawk helicopter incident and how Pakistan was all upset about it... but I guess that's a whole different story .

I'm just curious to see how this whole thing plays out, you know? Will it lead to some kind of bigger issue in cricket or what? Hopefully, it doesn't affect the sport too much .

 

[Defeated Donkey]

I'm not surprised they're pulling out . It's just another example of how sports can be used as a tool for politics . I mean, come on, it's always about someone getting hurt or someone feeling left out. And now Bangladesh is getting the sympathy vote from Pakistan? How convenient .

It's all about PR and saving face for the players involved, but what about the fans who actually care about the game? Do they even get a say in this? I doubt it . The ICC is just whistling Dixie by saying there could be implications on global cricket... yeah right, like that's gonna happen .

Pakistan thinks sports and politics should never overlap? Save it for the next press conference . It's all about being PC and looking good in front of the cameras . I'm not buying it .

 

[Sham]

I don’t usually comment but... I think this is a weird move by Pakistan . They're basically choosing to stand in solidarity with Bangladesh over their own cricket team . It's like, can't they just play the game and not make it about politics? I get that they want to show support for Bangladesh, but what about all the fans back home who love watching Pakistani players compete against Indian teams ️?

And yeah, Sharif said there should be no politics in sport, but is that really possible ? It's not like the games are going to change or anything, but still... I just don't think this move will have a huge impact on global cricket. Like, if anyone cares .

I do feel bad for Bangladesh, though . They're already dealing with some pretty tough stuff in their own country . Maybe it's good that Pakistan is showing some support? But at the same time... I don't know, man . This whole thing just feels a bit messy to me .