Former West Indies bowling great Michael Holding has expressed some brutally honest opinions upon England’s cancellation of the Pakistan tour. Earlier, England and Wales Cricket Board(ECB) decided to pull out of the Pakistan tour citing “increasing concerns” about traveling to Pakistan while also citing the rigorous bubble environment that players are facing due to the pandemic.
He termed the reasons and statements by ECB as having “no substance” and has argued that it is a disregard for cricketing boards that are not as rich as England, Australia, or India. Holding has become increasingly expressive for a few years and is going to retire from his job as a commentator after being both a decorated baller and commentator.
The ECB statement doesn't wash with me. No substance. So they put out a statement and hid behind a statement. It just reminds me of the rubbish they did with Black Lives Matter. I won't go back into that because I've said enough about that. But what that signal sends to me, is the same Western arrogance. I will treat you how I feel like treating you, it doesn't matter what you think, I'll just do what I want. Pakistan went to England before vaccines were available for six or seven weeks. They stayed, they played their cricket, they honoured what England wanted them to honour, to save England's butt, to put it mildly. Four days in Pakistan? I'm absolutely sure they would not have done that to India because India is rich and powerful.
Michael Holding