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In this exclusive interview, former first-class cricketer and coach, Abdur Rauf provides analysis of Pakistan's decision to boycott playing India at the T20 World Cup. The veteran of 695 first-class wickets explains the principled stand, details the alleged manipulation within the ICC, breaks down the high-stakes financial reality for cricket's governing body, and issues a direct warning about the future — and much more.
Key revelations include:
• Principled Stand Justified: "A very genuine and principled stand was taken by the government of Pakistan." - Rauf supports the Pakistan government's "courageous" decision to skip matches against India, framing it as a necessary reaction to years of manipulation by the BCCI and the ICC.
• ICC's Financial Reliance: "70% of the revenue generation in any event is from Pakistan and India." - Rauf argues that when a nation’s dignity is at stake, the government must look beyond financial losses or ICC revenue. He highlights the irony that while India avoids bilateral series with Pakistan, the ICC and broadcasters rely on India-Pakistan matches for 70% of their tournament revenue.
• Governing Body Critique: "The ICC has lost its public confidence." - He explains that the stand was primarily triggered by the ICC's treatment of Bangladesh. After Bangladesh requested neutral venues for security reasons—a precedent set by India in the past—they were sanctioned and removed from the World Cup.
• Stand for the Smaller Board: "Pakistan was forced to take this principled stand for a small country." - Rauf criticizes the ICC for failing to protect the rights of smaller member nations. He reminds viewers that "Big Three" nations (India, Australia, England) gained their power through the votes of smaller boards like Pakistan and Sri Lanka, yet those rights are now being suppressed.
• Core Issue Defined: "You made one member very strong... the other members' rights started to get snubbed." - Rauf warns that the ICC continues to prioritize the interests of one or two countries.
• Final Warning to ICC: "If a wise person is sitting there, give him a wise advice." - Urging the council to rectify its approach or else Pakistan and other sidelined nations may eventually consider forming an alternative international cricket body.
Watch full interview with Saj here:
Key revelations include:
• Principled Stand Justified: "A very genuine and principled stand was taken by the government of Pakistan." - Rauf supports the Pakistan government's "courageous" decision to skip matches against India, framing it as a necessary reaction to years of manipulation by the BCCI and the ICC.
• ICC's Financial Reliance: "70% of the revenue generation in any event is from Pakistan and India." - Rauf argues that when a nation’s dignity is at stake, the government must look beyond financial losses or ICC revenue. He highlights the irony that while India avoids bilateral series with Pakistan, the ICC and broadcasters rely on India-Pakistan matches for 70% of their tournament revenue.
• Governing Body Critique: "The ICC has lost its public confidence." - He explains that the stand was primarily triggered by the ICC's treatment of Bangladesh. After Bangladesh requested neutral venues for security reasons—a precedent set by India in the past—they were sanctioned and removed from the World Cup.
• Stand for the Smaller Board: "Pakistan was forced to take this principled stand for a small country." - Rauf criticizes the ICC for failing to protect the rights of smaller member nations. He reminds viewers that "Big Three" nations (India, Australia, England) gained their power through the votes of smaller boards like Pakistan and Sri Lanka, yet those rights are now being suppressed.
• Core Issue Defined: "You made one member very strong... the other members' rights started to get snubbed." - Rauf warns that the ICC continues to prioritize the interests of one or two countries.
• Final Warning to ICC: "If a wise person is sitting there, give him a wise advice." - Urging the council to rectify its approach or else Pakistan and other sidelined nations may eventually consider forming an alternative international cricket body.
Watch full interview with Saj here:
