Former Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Najam Sethi has said that despite short-term losses, the recent stance taken by Bangladesh and Pakistan over the T20 World Cup could ultimately lead to a stronger and reformed International Cricket Council (ICC). Bangladesh withdrew from the tournament in India citing security concerns, after the ICC rejected its request to play in Sri Lanka. In response, the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland. Pakistan, protesting what it called ICC’s double standards, decided to boycott its World Cup match against India.

Sethi told India Today that the current situation may cause temporary setbacks but could bring long-term benefits by reducing India’s dominance in the ICC. He argued that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) exerts disproportionate influence over the ICC, leading to unequal treatment of member nations. Sethi added that both Bangladesh and Pakistan now share a common view that it is time to stand up against such policies.

He also noted that discussions between the Pakistan government and the PCB are ongoing regarding the boycott decision, expressing hope that talks may yield a positive outcome before the scheduled match.