Controversy over India-Pak match in T20 World Cup. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Aga said that the team will follow the decision of the government and the board. Pakistan will boycott the February 15 group stage match against India in support of Bangladesh.
Colombo: Amidst the growing political controversy regarding the India-Pakistan match in the T20 World Cup, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Aga has made the team’s stand clear. In the press conference of the captains before the T20 World Cup, Agha said that whether to play against India or not is not the decision of the players and the team can work only on the instructions of the government. Aga also said that the team fully respects the decision of the Pakistan government and the cricket board to boycott the group stage match against India to be held in Colombo on February 15.
Salman Ali Aga made it clear, “The match against India is not in our control. It is the decision of the government and the board. Whatever they say, we will do.” Pakistan’s decision to boycott the match is currently only for the group stage. But when asked what would happen if the two teams had to face each other again in the semi-finals or final, the Pakistan captain replied, “If we have to face India again in the knockout stage, we will again consult the government and the PCB. Whatever decision they take, the team will stand by it,” Agha said.
When asked about Pakistan’s defeat to America in the last World Cup, Aga replied that it has become an old thing. He further said that Pakistan has come with a new team and new strategies for the new World Cup and the team is very excited.
The ICC had expelled Bangladesh from the World Cup for refusing to play in India citing security reasons. In protest against this and to show solidarity with Bangladesh, the Pakistan government announced that it will not play matches against India in the T20 World Cup. However, Pakistan will take part in matches against other countries.