By Sadiq Mohammad (Former Test opener)
For far too long, Pakistan cricket has found itself on the receiving end of unfair decisions, double standards and a system where money seems to matter more than principles. That is why I believe the Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision to boycott playing against India is not only justified but also a brave and historic step.
Such a decision cannot be taken by a weak leadership. Only a courageous chairman like Mohsin Naqvi can take a stand of this magnitude. I congratulate Naqvi Sahab for showing the spine that Pakistan cricket desperately needed. This move sends a clear message to the ICC and the cricketing world that Pakistan is not for sale.
The ICC today appears to be heavily influenced by Indian interests where commercial gains dictate decisions rather than fairness or independence. It is about time the ICC understands that money is not everything. Yes they can impose a heavy fine on Pakistan but that is as far as their authority goes. Principles cannot be fined and self-respect cannot be bought.
What concerns me most is the selective nature of ICC’s disciplinary actions. We have seen the ICC take strong action against boards like Bangladesh in the past yet similar accountability is never applied to the Indian cricket board. If the ICC truly believes in justice and independence, it should not hesitate to take disciplinary action against any board—regardless of how powerful or wealthy it may be, or even if ICC office-bearers themselves are Indian.
I strongly feel that other cricket boards must unite and question the ICC’s way of functioning. Silence has only strengthened an unfair system. Decisions that affect the global game should never be driven by one country’s financial clout. Cricket belongs to the world, not to a single board.
Mohsin Naqvi’s decision is a message—not just to the ICC, but to every cricketing nation—that Pakistan will no longer accept nonsense quietly. We have compromised enough in the past often at the cost of our dignity.
In my opinion, Mohsin Naqvi has already proven himself to be one of the bravest chairmen Pakistan cricket has ever had. This is the kind of leadership that restores confidence, pride and respect. Pakistan has finally drawn a line and said: enough is enough.
Money cannot buy us. And that, perhaps, is the most powerful statement Pakistan cricket has made in years.
