Former Pakistan captain and coach, Misbah-ul-Haq, has expressed his disappointment with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for politicizing Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023 in India. Misbah believes that the PCB’s decision is denying Pakistani cricket fans the opportunity to witness the intense rivalry between Pakistan and India on the grandest stage of cricket.
Misbah-ul-Haq, a key figure in Pakistan’s cricket history and a 2009 T20 World Cup winner, emphasized that cricket should not be linked to political relations between countries. He questioned why there can be contacts between the two nations in other sports but not in cricket. According to Misbah, depriving fans of the chance to see their teams play against each other is unfair and does a disservice to the passionate followers of Pakistan and Indian cricket.
The PCB recently conveyed to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that Pakistan’s participation in the World Cup 2023 is subject to government clearance due to the tense relations between the two countries. However, Misbah believes it is time for cricket to transcend political tensions. He advocated for Pakistan to participate in the World Cup in India, emphasizing the team’s capability to excel in Indian conditions. Misbah also expressed the desire for the Indian team to visit Pakistan for matches, fostering unity and enhancing the sport’s spirit.
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While geopolitical tensions have resulted in adjustments to tournament schedules, such as the Asia Cup being played in a hybrid model, Misbah urged players to focus on cricket and strive for success in the World Cup 2023. He emphasized that the pressure and crowds in India can be motivating for the Pakistani team, and they should embrace the opportunity to compete in such conditions.
Misbah-ul-Haq’s call for cricket unification underscores the power of the sport to bring people together and transcend political boundaries. He hopes that cricket will prevail as a unifying force and that both teams will have the opportunity to showcase their skills and entertain fans on the global stage.