The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its newly appointed chairman, Ramiz Raja, have been the subject of some uncomfortable cricket discussions over the past week or so. Ever since New Zealand pulled out of their tour to the country following security threats to some of their players- a chain-reaction decision that prompted England to cancel their men’s and women’s teams’ visit scheduled for later this year; Ramiz and the PCB have been very vocal in expressing their disappointment.
Have found two more rivals for the T20 World Cup: PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja
For one thing, the PCB chairman made a very blatant public statement that now the men-in-green have now found two new arch-Rivals besides their cross-border neighbours. Ramiz said that the heartbreak endured by millions of Pakistani cricket fans will only motivate the national side to grow as a team; and that his men will now have their New Zealand and England locked-on as targets in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, Fawad Chaudhary, the country’s information and broadcasting minister alleged that the security threats made to New Zealand cricketers originated from India.
In the midst of all the disappointment, blame games, and confusion, Australia cricketer Usman Khawaja has found himself at the centre of this issue by making some contentious comparisons with India. Over on a recent chat with ESPNCricinfo, the Pakistan-born Aussie batsman explained that New Zealand and England’s decision to abandon the tours could have stemmed from certain financial motivations.
“Money plays a big role”- Usman Khawaja on why countries won’t say no to India
“I feel it’s very easy for players and organisations to say no to Pakistan, because it’s Pakistan. I think the same thing would apply too, if it were Bangladesh. But nobody would say no to India, if they’re in the same situation,” the 34-year-old observed.
Usman further elaborated that touring India is usually a more profitable proposition for countries, which is why they haven’t had to deal with any player or team pulling out yet. “Money talks, we all know that, and that’s probably a big part of it.”
“Heavy security in Pakistan now; no reason we shouldn’t go back”
Usman concluded that having toured Pakistan for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) earlier this year, he has a lot of confidence in the country’s security and wouldn’t mind returning to his country of birth for future cricket endeavours.
“They keep proving time and time again through their tournaments that they’re a safe place to play cricket. I think there’s no reason why we shouldn’t go back. There’s a lot of security. Heavy, heavy security. I’ve heard nothing but reports about people feeling safe. Even talking to the guys during the PSL about what it’s like…they would say the same thing to me ‘like 10 years ago, maybe not, but now 100 per cent”, he concluded.
