NEW DELHI: Former India spinner and 1983 World Cup winner Krishnamachari Srikkanth has launched a scathing attack on Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi, urging Pakistan to stay away from the upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup after Naqvi hinted at a possible withdrawal from the tournament.Pakistan are keeping tension over their participation alive, delaying a final decision until at least Friday and even considering boycotting their marquee clash against co-hosts India in solidarity with Bangladesh, who have been kicked out of the tournament. The PCB said the final call will be taken either on Friday or next Monday after Naqvi’s meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad.
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“I had a productive meeting with the Prime Minister and briefed him on the ICC matter. He directed that we resolve it and keep all options on the table,” Naqvi tweeted.“It was agreed that the final decision would be made either on Friday or next Monday,” he added.Naqvi, who often blurs the lines between cricket and politics, sparked fresh controversy by suggesting Pakistan pull out of the 2026 T20 World Cup in solidarity with Bangladesh, whose matches were not moved to a neutral venue. His remarks drew a sharp response from Srikkanth, who warned Pakistan ahead of the tour of India, claiming they would be completely outplayed.With India seen as firm favourites, especially with the tournament being held in the subcontinent, Srikkanth didn’t hold back.“In the last match, India scored 209 in 15 overs. In this match, they scored 150 in 10 overs. Seeing that, many teams might say ‘no, we’re not coming. You can keep the cup’,” Srikkanth said in a video on his YouTube channel. “Hey Pakistan, don’t go. Your man Mohsin Naqvi talked about it – don’t go. You will be beaten. Sixth hit in Colombo will be in Madras. Watch out. Best option is to stay away. Find an excuse and don’t go. These boys will beat them badly. This will send an alarming signal to every cricket team in the world who has never been hit by a cricket team in the world – T20. it.”Just hours after Naqvi signaled the withdrawal, Pakistan announced its squad, although officials confirmed that government clearance was still awaited.“We are waiting for the government’s advice and whatever the government tells us, we will do it. If they don’t want us to go to the World Cup, we will follow it,” Naqvi told the players and coaches in Lahore.Pakistan begin their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo, followed by matches against the USA, India and Namibia. Salman Ali Agha will lead a side that includes Babar Azam but excludes Haris Rauf.
