After 'boycott' threat, Pakistan names T20 WC squad
PCB president Mohsin Naqvi reiterates that the announcement of the World Cup squad doesn't mean the country has decided to take part in the event, stressing the government's call would be final on the matter.
A day after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a veiled threat to boycott the ICC T20 World Cup in solidarity with Bangladesh, it announced a 15-member squad for the tournament on Sunday.
Salman Ali Agha will lead the Pakistan team in the tournament, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. Pakistan will face India in a group match at Colombo on February 15.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director Abdur Razzak said the board was willing to participate in the T20 World Cup in India, but ultimately it had to adhere to the interim government's decision. "We have always said that we want to play, but this is the government's decision," Razzak told the media.
Following Bangladesh's removal by the International Cricket Council (ICC), PCB president Mohsin Naqvi had yesterday suggested that Pakistan might pull out of the tournament.
"We are selectors, and our job is to pick the team. The government will decide on our participation, said Aaqib Javed, member, PCB selection committee.
Naqvi, who is also Pakistan's interior minister, reiterated that the announcement of the World Cup squad didn't mean the country had decided to take part in the event, stressing the government's call would be final on the matter.
