Dhaka, Feb 5 (V7N) — Youth and Sports Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul on Wednesday expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its decision to boycott a cricket match against India in protest against Bangladesh’s exclusion from the ICC T20 World Cup.

Dr. Nazrul, who also serves as adviser to the Ministries of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs and Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, conveyed his appreciation in a brief post on his verified Facebook page, writing: “Thank you Pakistan.”

The gesture followed an announcement by Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, who said his government had decided not to play the scheduled match against India as a mark of protest.

Addressing a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Sharif said Pakistan would stand firmly with Bangladesh, stressing that politics should not interfere with sports. “We will not play the match against India, because there should be no politics on the playing field,” he said, adding that the decision had been taken after careful consideration and in solidarity with Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s exclusion from the T20 World Cup has sparked reactions across the cricketing world, with Pakistan’s move drawing attention as a rare instance of political protest in international sport.

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