‘Pakistan Will Play India’: PCB Likely to Make Dramatic U-Turn After Feb 12, Says Chetan Sharma
Even as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) continues to delay formally informing the International Cricket Council (ICC) of its position on the T20 World Cup group match against India, former BCCI chief selector Chetan Sharma has predicted that Pakistan will eventually reverse its decision to boycott the game.
Speaking at an India Today event, Sharma said the PCB’s stance was politically motivated and claimed that a U-turn was likely after February 12.
“This is politics. Bangladesh has elections on the 12th. After that, you’ll see a reversal,” Sharma said. “There will be a statement saying, ‘Considering public sentiment, cricket shouldn’t suffer, Pakistan will play against India.’”
He added that even Pakistan’s military leadership could later urge that sport be kept separate from politics.
Sharma’s comments came despite Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirming on Wednesday that the team would not play India next week at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. However, the ICC is still hopeful of a change in stance and has reportedly warned of possible sanctions if Pakistan withdraws.
‘Cricketers Are Suffering’
Sharma stressed that the uncertainty was hurting players the most, noting that the PCB has yet to send an official communication to the ICC.
“Statements mean nothing without formal confirmation,” he said. “Until something is officially submitted, nothing changes. In the end, it’s the cricketers who suffer.”
According to him, the controversy has little to do with sport and is instead linked to political developments in the region.
India to Travel as Scheduled
Meanwhile, India captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed that the team will travel to Colombo as planned, regardless of Pakistan’s decision.
“The mindset is clear. We did not refuse to play,” Yadav said at a pre-tournament press conference in Mumbai. “The refusal has come from their side. The ICC has fixed the match and the government has decided on a neutral venue. Our flight is booked, and we are going.”
He added that the team would wait for further instructions once in Sri Lanka.
Walkover Possible
If Pakistan ultimately decides to boycott the fixture, India will be awarded two points through a walkover under ICC regulations.
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