ISLAMABAD: Bangladesh has expressed appreciation to Pakistan for its decision to boycott the T20 World Cup match against India, citing solidarity after Bangladesh was excluded from the tournament.
Bangladesh’s Sports Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul said Pakistan’s move reflected support for Bangladesh following the ICC’s decision to remove the team from the event.
Referring to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s cabinet address, Nazrul said Pakistan chose not to face India in protest over Bangladesh’s exclusion, adding that sports should remain free from political influence.
Sharif had earlier said that Pakistan would stand with Bangladesh and that politics had no place in international cricket.
Nazrul thanked Pakistan for its clear stance and solidarity.
The dispute began after Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman was dropped from the Indian Premier League, followed by Bangladesh citing security concerns over travel to India and requesting the ICC to shift its matches to Sri Lanka.
Instead of resolving the issue, the ICC removed Bangladesh from the tournament and included Scotland.
Following the development, Pakistan announced it would not participate in the February 15 match against India as a gesture of solidarity with Bangladesh.
