World T20: Pakistan cricket fraternity slams BCB order
Ban on waving other countries’ flags declared ‘shocking’.
Although BCB’s decision forbids waving flags other than those of their own nation, its timing seemingly points to an aversion to Pakistan. PHOTO: AFP
KARACHI:
An abrupt ruling by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) banning local fans from waving non-Bangladeshi flags at the ongoing World Twenty20 has shifted the focus from cricket.
The last 24 hours saw a strong reaction from former Pakistan cricketers and fans who protested the unprecedented ban, deeming it against the spirit of the game.
According to the BCB, the decision stops local fans from waving flags of all the participating nations other than Bangladesh. However, it is believed that the restriction is Pakistan-specific as it materialised after an outcry over locals waving Pakistani flags during the recent Asia Cup.
Former Pakistan Test opener Mohsin Khan termed the ban a violation of the spirit of the game.
“It’s a shocking ban and a childish move by the BCB,” said Mohsin. “It’s not right to stop fans from cheering any team.
“Pakistan have always supported Bangladesh cricket and our board event sent its team [for the Asia Cup] despite security apprehensions.”
Mohsin hoped the Bangladesh board will reverse the decision shortly and will allow fans to support their favourite teams independently.
“Bangladesh must realise that they also have to go out of their country to play.”
Mohsin noted that such a decision has never been taken either by the boards of Pakistan and India even in the face of a bitter rivalry between the archrivals.
“Pakistan fans cheer for Indian players and vice versa. Legendary players like [Sachin] Tendulkar are revered as heroes in our country. That is how it should be.”
Former captain Younus Khan was also shocked with the decision.
“Cricket is a gentleman’s game and the ban is against its spirit,” he said. “I think it will be difficult to stop fans as nobody can curb enthusiasts from supporting their favourite team.”
‘Cricket should be kept away from politics’
Another former captain currently associated with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) urged that the sport must not be mixed with politics.
“Mixing cricket with politics is wrong,” he said. “The decision has been taken under political influence.”
He further said that the International Cricket Council (ICC) must act to nullify the decision.
“ICC is hosting the tournament; not the BCB. The governing body must step in so that the decision can be reversed and people are allowed to support whichever team they want.”
‘ICC has written to BCB’
An official close to the ICC confirmed that the governing body has written a letter to BCB Chief Executive Nizamuddin Ahmed. However, Ahmed could not be approached despite repeated attempts.
Meanwhile, cricket fans are equally disappointed with the controversial orders by the BCB.
“It’s the right of people to support whichever team they want,” said a graduate student Ahsan Ahmed.
“Everyone has their own favourite players, be it Chris Gayle, Shahid Afridi or MS Dhoni. They must be allowed to cheer for any player or team they want.
“Such decisions are detrimental to the game which is already facing tough times.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 27th, 2014.
An abrupt ruling by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) banning local fans from waving non-Bangladeshi flags at the ongoing World Twenty20 has shifted the focus from cricket.
The last 24 hours saw a strong reaction from former Pakistan cricketers and fans who protested the unprecedented ban, deeming it against the spirit of the game.
According to the BCB, the decision stops local fans from waving flags of all the participating nations other than Bangladesh. However, it is believed that the restriction is Pakistan-specific as it materialised after an outcry over locals waving Pakistani flags during the recent Asia Cup.
Former Pakistan Test opener Mohsin Khan termed the ban a violation of the spirit of the game.
“It’s a shocking ban and a childish move by the BCB,” said Mohsin. “It’s not right to stop fans from cheering any team.
“Pakistan have always supported Bangladesh cricket and our board event sent its team [for the Asia Cup] despite security apprehensions.”
Mohsin hoped the Bangladesh board will reverse the decision shortly and will allow fans to support their favourite teams independently.
“Bangladesh must realise that they also have to go out of their country to play.”
Mohsin noted that such a decision has never been taken either by the boards of Pakistan and India even in the face of a bitter rivalry between the archrivals.
“Pakistan fans cheer for Indian players and vice versa. Legendary players like [Sachin] Tendulkar are revered as heroes in our country. That is how it should be.”
Former captain Younus Khan was also shocked with the decision.
“Cricket is a gentleman’s game and the ban is against its spirit,” he said. “I think it will be difficult to stop fans as nobody can curb enthusiasts from supporting their favourite team.”
‘Cricket should be kept away from politics’
Another former captain currently associated with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) urged that the sport must not be mixed with politics.
“Mixing cricket with politics is wrong,” he said. “The decision has been taken under political influence.”
He further said that the International Cricket Council (ICC) must act to nullify the decision.
“ICC is hosting the tournament; not the BCB. The governing body must step in so that the decision can be reversed and people are allowed to support whichever team they want.”
‘ICC has written to BCB’
An official close to the ICC confirmed that the governing body has written a letter to BCB Chief Executive Nizamuddin Ahmed. However, Ahmed could not be approached despite repeated attempts.
Meanwhile, cricket fans are equally disappointed with the controversial orders by the BCB.
“It’s the right of people to support whichever team they want,” said a graduate student Ahsan Ahmed.
“Everyone has their own favourite players, be it Chris Gayle, Shahid Afridi or MS Dhoni. They must be allowed to cheer for any player or team they want.
“Such decisions are detrimental to the game which is already facing tough times.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 27th, 2014.