England showed 'Western arrogance' in withdrawing from Pakistan tour, says Michael Holding

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Since 2005, England's men and women have not travelled to Pakistan.

Former West Indies bowler Michael Holding says that England displayed "Western arrogance" when they pulled out of the tour of Pakistan.

The men's and ladies' teams from England were scheduled to play white-ball matches in Pakistan, but they withdrew last week.

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), blamed "increasing worries" about traveling in the region and "pressures” of bubble environments.

Holding stated, "The ECB declaration doesn't wash for me." "No substance."

After receiving the Cricket Writers Club Peter Smith Award award, Holding said: "Nobody wants be open and face anything because they know they made mistakes."

They made a statement, but then they hid behind another statement. It reminds me of what they did with Black Lives Matter.

"I won’t go back in that because I’ve said enough. However, what I get from that signal is the same Western arrogance.

"I will treat your like I would want to be treated, it doesn’t matter what you think, but I’ll do what I want."

New Zealand withdrew from a Pakistan tour three days before the ECB made its announcement. This was due to security concerns.

The ECB statement didn't mention security issues, and Ramiz Raja, chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board, said that the ECB's reasoning wasn’t good enough.

Three Tests and three T20s were played in England by Pakistani men in summer 2020. All of this was in a biosecure environment, without fans, within the first six months after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Holding said that Pakistan went to England before vaccines became available for six or seven more weeks. He played 60 Tests for West Indies and then became a well-known commentator.

"They stayed, played their cricket, they honored what England wanted them honor, to save England's bum, to be mildly polite.

"Four days in Pakistan?" They wouldn't have done that to India because India is wealthy and powerful.

Holding, who will be retiring from commentary in the new year, was awarded by the Cricket Writers Club for his "outstanding contribution towards the presentation of cricket before the public". In the last 18 months, he has passionately discussed racism.

Harry Brook, a Yorkshire batsman, won the Young Cricketer of the Year Award. Sophia Dunkley, a England batswoman, was awarded the women's cricketer award.

After her role in The Hundred for Oval Invincibles, Alice Capsey was awarded the emerging player award. Luke Fletcher, a Nottinghamshire bowler, was named County Championship Player and Alex Jervis, the Disability Cricketer.