The controversy surrounding the India-Pakistan match in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is no longer limited to just one match. Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi has reacted sharply to Pakistan’s refusal to play against India in the group stage. Lalit Modi has also slammed the Pakistan cricket team as well as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its president trophy thief Mohsin Naqvi. He clearly says that when politics enters the game, cricket suffers and only franchise cricket benefits.
Lalit Modi’s direct allegation
Speaking to IANS, Lalit Modi criticized Pakistan’s decision and said, ‘Cricket is meant to be decided on the field, not through the boardroom or boycott. When politics enters the game, the game loses, but the fans always remember who supported the competition. He believes that high-voltage matches like the India-Pakistan match are the soul of cricket and withdrawing from such matches is against the spirit of the game.
Questions raised on selective boycott
Pakistan has decided to withdraw from the match against India to be held in Colombo on February 15, which is said to be taken following government instructions. However, Pakistan will participate in the remaining matches of the tournament. This selective boycott raises many questions, especially when the India-Pakistan rivalry is considered the biggest clash in world cricket.
Impact on ICC and points table
After this entire incident, ICC is consulting the stakeholders. According to tournament rules, if a team withdraws from the match, the opposing team can get points. In such a situation, if the boycott continues, then it is almost certain that India will get points without playing, due to which the picture of the group can change in the beginning itself. Besides, ICC can also take major action against PCB. It is believed that Pakistan will suffer huge financial loss if the match is boycotted. ICC can compensate the loss caused to spawners and stakeholders from PCB. In such a situation, a big threat is looming over Pakistan.
Why is IPL becoming the biggest winner?
Lalit Modi warned that its impact could be deeper in future. He said, ‘Questions will be raised on the broadcast rights of bilateral matches and the future earnings of ICC. Broadcasters will be reluctant to bid higher. If anyone will take advantage of this whole situation, it will only be IPL. According to him, franchise cricket has already taken center stage across the world.
ipl vs international cricket
Lalit Modi further said, ‘IPL has now become the biggest cricket tournament of the year, which thrills both players and fans all over the world. This is also the most perfect product from the point of view of broadcasting. This statement has once again sparked debate whether international cricket is gradually fading in front of franchise leagues.
Disappointment of fans and former players
Former players and fans of both India and Pakistan are disappointed with this decision. He believes that India-Pakistan match is not just cricket but a confluence of emotions, history and competition, which should not be sacrificed for politics.
