PCB says West ganged up against Pak cricket

Story by  Aasha Khosa | Posted by  Aasha Khosa • 2 Years ago
Pindi stadium in Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Pindi stadium in Rawalpindi, Pakistan

 

New Delhi

As anger, shock and embarrasment spread across Pakistan over the England team also withdrawing its planned tour of Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Control Board chairman Ramiz Raja slammed the “Western block’ for ganging up against Pakistan cricket and leaving it in lurch.

He was reacting to the decision of the The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to cancel next month’s cricket series that its men’s and women’s teams were scheduled to play in Pakistan.

On Monday, the England Cricket Board issued a statement saying that it convened a meeting to “discuss these extra England Women's and Men's games in Pakistan and we can confirm that the Board has reluctantly decided to withdraw both teams from the October trip.”

Explaining the reasons, the statement said, "The mental and physical well-being of our players and support staff remains our highest priority and this is even more critical given the times we are currently living in.

“We know there are increasing concerns about travelling to the region and believe that going ahead will add further pressure to a playing group who have already coped with a long period of operating in restricted Covid environments.

Reacting to this much expected stance, Ramiz Raja  said, "Disappointed with England, pulling out of their commitment & failing a member of their Cricket fraternity when it needed it most. Survive we will inshallah. A wake up call for Pak team to become the best team in the world for teams to line up to play them without making excuses.."

He issued a long statement on Twitter. The tone of his statement was political as he called the western block cricket fraternity of betraying cricket and Pakistan. Raja called Pakistan cricket to use the opportunity to unleash their anger in the field.

He said though the decision of England team was expected after New Zealand's decision to abandon yet he was disappointed. He alleged the western block was misusing the "security aspects" to abandon Pakistan cricket.

Raja also asserted that Pakistan would seek financial compensation for the loss it incurred because of New Zealand's sudden withdrawal. 

Also Read: England calls off Pakistan tour of cricket teams

The ECB said, "We understand that this decision will be a significant disappointment to the PCB, who have worked tirelessly to host the return of international cricket in their country.

Their support of English and Welsh cricket over the last two summers has been a huge demonstration of friendship.

We are sincerely sorry for the impact this will have on cricket in Pakistan and emphasise an ongoing commitment to our main touring plans there for 2022."