The political and cricketing turmoil in Pakistan regarding the boycott of the T20 World Cup match against India has now deepened. Two groups have formed in Pakistan itself regarding this. While some are justifying not playing the match, most of the former cricketers of Pakistan are calling this decision an unwise decision. Amidst this controversy, an old video of former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Rameez Raja has gone viral again on social media, which has put the real reality of Pakistan cricket in front of everyone.
Rameez Raja’s shocking revelation
In the viral video, Rameez Raja is clearly seen talking about the economic dependence of Pakistan cricket. He said, ‘I understand this, and the scariest thing that I am sharing with you all and what I have also told the cricket board is that about 50 percent of the funding of the Pakistan Cricket Board comes from the ICC. The ICC earns money by organizing tournaments and distributes it among its member boards. And almost 90 percent of this funding of ICC comes from the Indian market. So in a way, Indian business houses are running Pakistan cricket. And if tomorrow the Prime Minister of India decides not to give funds to Pakistan, then our cricket board may also collapse. This statement has come out as the most uncomfortable truth for Pakistan in today’s situation.
T20 World Cup boycott and increasing threat
On the instructions of the Pakistan government, the PCB decided to boycott the India-Pakistan match to be held in Colombo on 15 February. However, till now no concrete reason for this decision has been officially given to ICC. If Pakistan sticks to its decision, it will violate the pre-arranged agreement to play at a neutral venue.
ICC’s strictness and fear of financial loss
According to reports, ICC may stop Pakistan’s annual revenue share, which is approximately $35 million. Not only this, ICC can also consider paying this amount directly to the broadcasters. According to a PCB source, Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had taken legal advice before briefing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, but the board is now preparing itself for serious consequences.
politics vs truth
On one hand, the Pakistan government is showing political stance against India, while on the other hand, this video of Rameez Raja is telling how costly the distance from India can be for Pakistan cricket. This is the same contradiction which has been weakening Pakistan’s cricket policy. However, for Pakistan there is a pit in front and a ditch behind. Now, if he retracts his statement, he will be called an idiot and if he goes ahead, he will have to take huge financial risk. This will prove costly for Pakistan, which is already in debt. The board has already stopped the salaries of its players and coaches. At the same time, Pakistan’s hypocrisy was also visible. He had written a letter in support of Bangladesh saying that he too would boycott the tournament, but then the fear of economic risks prevented him from doing so. Now he is asking not to play the match against India. However, we would not be surprised if after two days Pakistan changes its decision again and announces something else. When PCB Chairman cannot spell the name of his Prime Minister correctly then anything is possible in that country.
