United News of Bangladesh

As the cricketing world awaits the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) final decision on participating in the T20 World Cup, Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane and commentator Harsha Bhogle have dismissed the boycott threats as empty posturing, claiming Pakistan lacks the “courage” to actually withdraw. Speaking on a show for a news website, Rahane was blunt in his assessment of the standoff. “I don't think Pakistan can stay away. I don't think they have that courage,” the Indian batter stated, referring to the speculation that Pakistan might pull out in solidarity with Bangladesh. Renowned analyst Harsha Bhogle echoed Rahane’s sentiment, describing the current delay in decision-making as mere “noise.” Bhogle argued that international cricket operates on a different level than local leagues. “This isn't club cricket where you can say, ‘the manager didn't come, so we won't play, take a walkover.’ This is the World Cup,” Bhogle said. Bhogle further remarked that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the ICC are unlikely to plead with Pakistan to participate. “Pakistan knows they will play. They are just making noise…,” he said. “If they say they won't play, people will say, 'don't come.' No one is going to go and say, ‘please come, please come.’” T20 World Cup: PCB suspends preparations, Pakistan signals Support for Bangladesh The speculation regarding a boycott stems from the ICC's recent decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland after the former refused to tour India due to security concerns. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently stated that a final decision regarding Pakistan's participation—pending consultation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif—will be announced by Friday or next Monday.