Ehsan Mani feels the PCB must ensure the safety of Pakistan players before committing to Bangladesh tours. PHOTO: ICC
While backing the PCB’s stance of raising concerns due to anti-Pakistan sentiments in Bangladesh, Mani felt it would be better to skip the tournament than risk players’ security if the volatile situation persisted in the country.
Despite security apprehensions by the PCB, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the International Cricket Council seem keen to hold the two premier tournaments in Bangladesh.
The PCB said it will continue to consult the governing bodies and the Pakistan government before reaching a decision over the Bangladesh tour.
However, Mani said that apart from relying on other stakeholders, the PCB must also do its own security analysis.
“The PCB must send its own security delegation before confirming their participation,” the former ICC chief told The Express Tribune.
“The PCB’s case is different from other cricket bodies because there is a lot of agitation against Pakistan in Bangladesh.
“The board should keep players’ safety first and take a decision based on that. If the security threats continue then it will not be a wrong decision to withdraw from the tournament.”
Mani also hoped the ICC will consider the situation and PCB’s concerns ahead of the World T20.
“During my time, the ICC used to consider the concerns of all the boards. I hope this time around the same policy will be followed.”
PCB to raise security concerns in ICC meeting
The PCB, after raising security concerns in the ACC meeting in Colombo on Saturday, will seek further clarification at the ICC meeting later this week.
“The PCB is bothered about team’s security and it will ensure players safety,” said a PCB official. “The issue will be raised further at the ICC meeting on January 9 in Dubai.”
The Bangladesh Cricket Board’s officials are keeping their fingers crossed over holding the tournaments, hoping the situation to improve after Sunday’s elections.
However, according to reports, scores of people have been killed during the elections amid a boycott by the opposition party.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 6th, 2014.
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COMMENTS (15)
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If pakistan is not come to bangladesh to play then it will not make difference.because both of tournament will be strating.
Why does Bangladesh has anti-Pakistan sentiments?
Another Indian consipiracy to hurt Pakistan and Pakistan cricket
@Ch. Allah Daad: do you have any knowledge of sports ???? better shut up if you don't have any good words to say.
@Stone: what a reply.........I love you man
@SKChadha: What about shifting some games to Central Pakistan (india)??
@Ch. Allah Daad: and how would our players will play cricket when they are afraid that their bus or hotel might be stormed after the match? any clue? Better to stay at home than to play in such tense environment.
@Ch. Allah Daad: Your 50%, 20%, 30% deal makes no sense at all. It's very simple to me, the security of our boys is above and beyond anything else. Why do you ignore the fact that they would be under constant threat in Bangladesh? Or is it too much for you to comprehend...
Why not to ask ICC to consider Pakistan as West Bangladesh and shift few games to it?
Let's do simple math. International cricket in Pakistan is dead because no country vists Pakistan anymore. It means 50% of Pakistan's International cricket is already finished. India is not going to host Pakistan in near futre and if Pakistan boycotts B.D, it means another 20% International cricket is gone. Pakistan will play only 30% of International cricket compared to other countries. With this attitude, it will become zero very soon. This is what enemies of Pakistan want.
Kasuri - A layman like you will never understand what it means for an international team to pull out from a tournament your country is hosting.
Everything will be settled soon in Bangladesh. This country is not Pakistan. If Pakistan pull out it will not make any difference
No need to participate in any sort of tournament in Bangladesh.