“We are players contracted to the Board and whatever decision our government and Board have taken all the players are on board with it,” Salman said. He added that the World Cup was not solely about India, stressing, “We have three other group matches so we will try to win all of them and qualify for next round.”
Several former captains and players backed the stance. Rashid Latif said, “What the ICC did to Bangladesh… it was time someone took a stand,” while Shahid Afridi admitted disappointment but said he understood the reasons. Moin Khan remarked, “The ICC now has to decide which path it wants to take in the larger interests of world cricket.”
Pakistan have left for Colombo and will open their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7, with further matches against USA and Namibia.