Amid uncertainty over Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup, Iceland has joked that its team is unavailable to fill the void left by the Green Shirts’ withdrawal. Pakistan is expected to make a final decision on its team’s involvement in the tournament next month, which could result in a potential boycott following Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the competition.
As the future of the Pakistani contingent hangs in the balance, Iceland Cricket earlier quipped that it was “ready to take off” if called upon for the World Cup. However, they now announce their unavailability due to the short preparation timeframe required and the fact that many of their players have other commitments outside cricket.
Iceland is not a member of the International Cricket Council (ICC), which led Iceland Cricket to joke about being unable to replace Pakistan effectively. The post notes that unlike Scotland, who were selected as replacements for Bangladesh, they cannot suddenly turn up without proper preparation and necessary equipment.
The team members include an amateur baker, a ship captain, and bankers, among others. Their professional commitments make it difficult for them to leave their usual duties for a global tournament. “It is with a heavy heart that we now announce our unavailability,” the post stated. The ICC’s decision to select Scotland as replacements also made this announcement more challenging.
The team expressed disappointment at not being able to deliver what they termed an “unmissable performance” during previous matches, such as giving the Dutch their worst defeat ever or surprising America by beating them, assuming the Americans had played against Greenland (Iceland’s nickname for America). Their withdrawal from the tournament will likely be welcomed by Uganda, whose teams would now have a chance to play.
“We were ready to give the Dutch the biggest shock they’ve experienced since William of Orange lost the Battle of Landen in 1693,” the post continued. “The Americans were looking forward to taking on Greenland, or so their orange-dyed leader thought.” They concluded by saying, “Our loss is likely Uganda’s gain. We wish them well. Their kits cannot be missed unless you have epilepsy, in which case they are probably best avoided.”