NEW DELHI: Former India opener 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 have kept suspense alive over their participation, deferring a final decision until at least Friday and even contemplating a boycott of their marquee clash against co-hosts India in solidarity with Bangladesh, who were ousted from the tournament. The PCB said a final call will be taken either on Friday or next Monday following Naqvi’s meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad.
“I had a productive meeting with the Prime Minister and briefed him on the ICC matter. He directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table,” Naqvi tweeted.“It was agreed that the final decision will be taken either on Friday or next Monday,” he added.Naqvi, who has often blurred the lines between cricket and politics, sparked fresh controversy by suggesting Pakistan might pull out of the T20 World Cup 2026 in solidarity with Bangladesh, whose matches were not shifted to a neutral venue. His remarks drew a sharp response from Srikkanth, who warned Pakistan against touring India, claiming they would be outplayed comprehensively.With India seen as firm favourites, especially with the tournament being staged in the subcontinent, Srikkanth did not hold back.“In the last match, India scored 209 in 15 overs. In this match, they scored 150 in 10 overs. Seeing this, many teams might say ‘no, we are not coming. You can keep the cup’,” Srikkanth said in a video on his YouTube channel. “Hey Pakistan, don’t come. Your man Mohsin Naqvi has been talking about it – don’t come. You will be thrashed. A six hit in Colombo will land in Madras. Beware. The best option is to stay away. Find an excuse and don’t come. These boys will thrash them hard. This will send an alarming signal to every cricket team in the world. This kind of hitting in T20 cricket – I have never seen anything like it.”Just hours after Naqvi hinted at withdrawal, Pakistan announced their squad, though officials confirmed government clearance is still awaited.“We are waiting for the government’s advice and whatever the government tells us to do we will do it. If they don’t want us to go for the World Cup, we will follow it,” Naqvi told players and coaches in Lahore.Pakistan opened their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo, followed by matches against the USA, India and Namibia. Salman Ali Agha will lead the side, which includes Babar Azam but excludes Haris Rauf.
