There is no need for us to play with India at any forum, says Javed Miandad
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Former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad has asked Pakistan Cricket Board to boycott playing against India, taking an angry stance at their unwillingness to restore bilateral ties with Pakistan. The veteran cricketer has also accused India of exploiting Pakistan’s friendly attitude in the past.
The Pakistan cricketing legend has asked his nation to respond with bricks to stones and remain strong in their attitude with an eye on their national interest and pride. He said, “There is no need for us to play with India at any forum if they are not willing to restore bilateral ties. We should also boycott playing against them in all ICC events. Take a stance and see what will happen. We have nothing to lose." Â
The once explosive right-handed batsman from Karachi has asked Pakistan Cricket board (PCB) to boycott all matches against India in the ICC events. Warning the ICC of the consequences if such a thing happens, he said, "I think when we don't play India in ICC events and the ICC suffers financial losses and their events lose significance and color, only then we will be treated with respect and we will be heard on an equal level at any forum."
"If the ICC board is not able to convince India to change its stance why should they expect us to play in the ICC events with India?" demanded Miandad.
The 60-year-old, who has played 124 Tests for the country and has also coached the national team thrice, stated it useless to beg India for bilateral cricket. He has suggested the board to not waste money by taking its compensation claim to the ICC disputes resolution committee but rather use it effectively in improving their cricket infrastructure.
He said, “The same money, 100 crores rupees or more, can be pumped into our cricket infrastructure because no one will listen to us as India is very influential and strong at the ICC level. I see it as a waste of time and money.”
Miandad recalled Pakistan’s friendly stance when they visited India in 2012 for the limited over series accusing India of taking full advantage of the situation. “We called it a good gesture but they took advantage of it and earned millions and in return we got nothing. And our failure to take a strong policy decision on ties with India has resulted in embarrassment for us many times," said he.
He has also expressed his disappointment in other members’ unacceptance of the injustice done to his country despite both India and Pakistan being equal members of the ICC executive board.
