NEW DELHI: Sunil Gavaskar believes Pakistan’s decision to skip their high-profile ICC T20 World Cup clash with India may not be final, drawing parallels with the country’s long history of players withdrawing retirement requests following public pressure.Pakistan ended days of uncertainty over its participation in the tournament by confirming it would take part in the T20 World Cup from February 7, but also sparked fresh controversy by announcing it would forfeit its group stage match against India on February 15. The announcement came via social media from the Pakistani government without giving any specific reason.
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“Government of Pakistan gives approval to Pakistan cricket team to participate in the 2020 World Cup, however the Pakistan team will not take the field in the match scheduled for February 15 against India,” the Pakistan government said.Co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, the marquee event runs from February 7 to March 8 and features 20 teams. The ICC has already taken note of Pakistan’s stand and warned the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of possible long-term consequences if the decision is not reconsidered.Reacting to the development, Gavaskar suggested that public reaction might yet force a re-evaluation.“Their decision may change once the world starts reacting (to their boycott decision),” Gavaskar told Aaj Tak.He pointed to a familiar pattern in Pakistan cricket.“There is nothing new about this issue. Pakistani cricketers have been known to turn their backs on retirement and claim that their fans want them to continue.”Gavaskar feels that a similar scenario could play out in this case as well.“(Similarly) It is possible that Pakistan fans may question their government about their decision. So I don’t see any problem here. Pakistan cricketers have set an example – turning around 8-10 days after retirement. Something similar can happen before (February 15),” he added.Despite Pakistan’s current stance, India are expected to go ahead as scheduled and travel to Sri Lanka for the match as per tournament protocols. The opposing team must be present at the draw for the transfer to be officially awarded.Hence, India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav is set to leave for the coin toss at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 15. If Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha does not turn up, the match referee will call over and hand India two points.Meanwhile, uncertainty remains over whether the PCB supports the government’s call. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is expected to clarify the board’s stand.“It will be interesting to know what reason the PCB gives for the government denying them permission to play India on February 15 and whether it was a unilateral government decision or the PCB was also on board,” a source was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.India and Pakistan have not played bilateral cricket since 2012 and only meet in multi-nation tournaments. Pakistan begin their campaign against the Netherlands in Colombo on February 7 in Group A, which also includes India, the United States and Namibia.
