Former cricketer Tanveer Ahmed urges PCB to skip India match on Feb 15

2 Min Read

Former Pakistan cricketer Tanveer Ahmed has urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to reconsider participating in the upcoming match against India scheduled for February 15, citing broader national and public concerns.

In a statement addressed to PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, Tanveer Ahmed said Pakistan should not approach the fixture as a routine sporting event and called for a review of the decision in light of prevailing circumstances. He argued that cricket, while a unifying sport, should not be detached from national sentiment and context.

Also Read: ICC and Bangladesh Cricket Board delegations arrive in Lahore for talks on T20 World Cup dispute

Pakistan and India are set to face each other as part of an international tournament under the ICC framework, where participation is governed by global cricketing regulations. While the two sides continue to meet in multilateral events, bilateral cricket between Pakistan and India has remained suspended for several years.

Tanveer Ahmed’s remarks add to a recurring debate within Pakistan’s cricketing circles over whether matches against India should be played without a broader policy consensus. Supporters of engagement argue that ICC events are neutral platforms governed by international rules, while critics believe Pakistan should adopt a firmer stance and reassess participation on symbolic and diplomatic grounds.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has not issued an official response to the former cricketer’s request. Under ICC regulations, member boards are generally expected to honour tournament schedules, and any withdrawal could have sporting and financial implications.

The February 15 fixture is expected to draw global viewership, as matches between Pakistan and India remain among the most-watched events in international cricket. Whether the PCB revisits its position remains to be seen.

Share This Article