Shoaib Akhtar denies making any comment on India-Pakistan World Cup Tie

A Pakistan news channel had reported that Akhtar had stated India have all the right to pull out of the match. However, he has denied any such comments. In the wake of the Pulwama terror attack, which saw over 44 CRPM jawans losing their lives, India have planned to cut down all ties with the neighbouring country.  

“Honest reply, BCCI wants to play with Pakistan, the government says no. Had they played with Pakistan, Star Sports and BCCI would have earned the maximum revenue. The series would have a monetary value of 600 million dollars. Do you think they don’t? Of course, they want that. Now speaking on part of their argument, they want to play with Pakistan," he was quoted as saying by some Indian news websites a Pakistani news channel confirmed.

Our Pakistan board had mentioned that they want to play a bilateral series and you cannot deny it although the series can be held at a different venue altogether. But they have said that they have a board to run which falls under Supreme Court. That is their argument and that is logical.”

“Should sports stay political? Not at all. So these differences set in matters of circumstances. We strongly condemn the loss of lives. But when it comes to our country, we are one nation, united and we will stand by our Prime Minister’s statement without having a second thought. However, They have a right to pull out. Their country was attacked and hence the decision. You cannot argue on that?” he said.

Moreover, opinions have been divided on whether India should play against Pakistan in the World Cup. While some have come up stating that India should boycott Pakistan in the World Cup, others have opted to go for a more positive approach of playing and beating them. There have also been suggestions on the table that BCCI would take it up with ICC that Pakistan should be banned from the tournament.