Controversy and criticism surround the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as another former Pakistan player raises his voice against their excuses surrounding the ICC World Cup 2023. After the legendary Wasim Akram, it is now former wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal who has come forward to express his discontent with the PCB’s actions.
The PCB had recently made a request to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to change the venues of certain matches in the upcoming ODI World Cup. However, their plea fell on deaf ears as the ICC went ahead and announced the fixtures for the tournament, maintaining the original schedule.
It was revealed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had shared a draft schedule with all participating teams, which included Pakistan playing against Australia in Bengaluru and Afghanistan in Chennai. The PCB wanted these venues to be swapped, believing it would enhance their chances of victory. Yet, their requests were disregarded by the ICC.
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In a candid interview with paktv.tv, Kamran Akmal expressed his disappointment with the PCB’s excuses, asserting that such behavior only damages the reputation of the former champions. He stressed that conditions and venues should no longer be a concern for teams in international cricket.
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Drawing attention to India’s remarkable success in defeating formidable opponents like Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand on their home grounds, Akmal questioned why Pakistan should make excuses about playing against Afghanistan in Chennai or India in Ahmedabad.
Akmal passionately urged the players to redirect their focus solely on cricket and refrain from making requests that undermine the game’s standards. He appealed to the PCB members, urging them to abstain from making such low-standard demands. Akmal emphasized that international cricket has evolved, and players should take pride in their achievements while understanding the expectations of both fans and the board.
Rather than compromising the quality of their cricket, Akmal advised the players to maintain a high standard and strive for excellence, always. It is a call to embrace the challenges, rise above excuses, and showcase their skills on the grandest stage of the ICC World Cup.