Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) top officials are not getting support from any of their counterparts as they seek a change in venue for the Asia Cup and the ICC World Twenty20 due to security apprehensions in Bangladesh, reports Pakistan The Express Tribune.
The PCB will be hoping to put up a ‘strong’ case during the International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting on January 9 in Dubai.
The board desires a change in venue for the Asia Cup and the World Twenty20 events amid the anti-Pakistan sentiments in Bangladesh, where scores have died in the lead-up as well as on the Election Day.
However, the PCB has thus far failed to drum up requisite support from either Asian Cricket Council (ICC) or the ICC. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is supporting the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) despite the unrest.
‘The BCCI needs BCB’s support to increase the tally of votes in some important ICC issues hence they will be against a shift in venues,’ said an official close to the matter.
‘Sri Lanka Cricket is ready to host the tournaments, but their board is currently weighing different options.’
Another official close to PCB’s top brass stressed that the body was perturbed over the lack of support from other member boards.
‘The security risk is high for the Pakistan squad in Bangladesh.
‘However, the board which is already facing financial issues will suffer a huge loss in terms of participation fee if it skips the tournaments.
‘The team that consists of several young players will also miss a chance of gaining exposure in major tournaments. The lack of backing from member boards has put the PCB in a quandary.’
However, he hoped for a breakthrough in the ICC meeting which is expected to be attended by PCB’s Interim Management Committee’s Chairman Najam Sethi.
‘PCB unfortunately failed to put up the case strongly at the ACC meeting last week. They are now hoping for a better outcome in the ICC meeting.’
The official further stated that the ACC was ready to hold the tournament even in case of Pakistan’s withdrawal; hence Afghanistan was added to the original four-nation event.
-With New Age input
