Reports: PCB turns down Sarfaraz Ahmed’s request to celebrate India’s wickets differently in World Cup 2019

The relation between India and Pakistan were tensed after the Pulwama attack in February after which the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted airstrikes in Balakot in retaliation to the attack. Even the cricketers were buoyed by the response and while the nation was supporting the Army during this period, Team India also showed their respect by sporting Army caps during an ODI against Australia in Ranchi in March. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was left fuming over and they even had complained to the ICC to take the action.

However, the apex cricketing body later cleared that the BCCI had taken permission from them to do so. Due to the tension across the borders, there were also calls for India to boycott Pakistan in the World Cup where the two teams are scheduled to face on June 16. However, as it stands now, the game seems to be going ahead and the two teams will fight it out at the Old Trafford in Manchester.

Meanwhile, in response to the Indian team wearing Army Caps during an ODI in March, Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed had requested the PCB to let the players celebrate India’s wickets differently.

Stick to cricket, says PCB

However, the PCB has turned down the team’s request and has suggested them to stick strictly on cricket instead according to the reports in Pak Passion. Earlier, even some of Pakistan’s current and former cricketers criticised the Men in Blue for bringing politics in sport and the PCB had clearly stated that they weren’t going to do such things.

Reports state that the PCB has told its players to stick to cricket and turned down a request from Sarfaraz Ahmed and his team to celebrate India’s wickets ‘differently’ in retaliation to Kohli and Co. wearing army caps during an ODI against Australia in March #CWC19 #IndvPak

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) June 7, 2019

As far as the World Cup is concerned, the PCB’s advice seems to be sensible as Pakistan’s campaign has just come back on track after a disastrous start against the Windies. Though they defeated England in the next match, it is important for them to be consistent. India, on the other hand, have begun their journey by getting the better of South Africa and will next face Australia on June 9.