England showed ‘Western arrogance’ when withdrawing from Pakistan tour, says Michael Holding

England showed “Western arrogance” as they withdrew from the Pakistan tour, says former West Indian bowler Michael Holding.

The Cricket Committee of England and Wales (ECB) blamed “growing concern” about travel in the area and “pressure” from bubble environments.

“The ECB’s statement doesn’t wash me off,” Holding said. “No substance.”

Speaking against the cricket writers ’club’s Peter Smith Award, Holding added:“ No one wants to come forward and face anything because they know what they did wrong.

“So they made a statement and hid behind the statement. It just reminds me of the rubbish they did with the Black Lives Matter.

“I’m not going back to that because I’ve said enough about it. But that signal sends me the same Western arrogance.

“I treat you the way I feel like I treat you, it doesn’t matter what you think, I just do what I want.”

Three days before the ECB announced its decision New Zealand withdrew from the Pakistan tour in the midst of security problems, referring to a “specific and credible threat”.

The ECB’s statement did not refer to security issues, and Ramiz Raja, chairman of Pakistan’s cricket commission, said the ECB’s reasoning was not good enough.

In the summer of 2020, Pakistani men traveled to England for three tests and three T20 tests – all in a biosafety environment without fans – during the first six months of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Pakistan went to England before the vaccines were available for six or seven weeks,” said Holding, who played 60 tests in the West Indies before becoming a famous commentator.

“They stayed, they played their cricket, they respected what the English wanted them to respect, to save the back of England, to put it mildly.

“Four days in Pakistan? I’m absolutely sure they wouldn’t have done it to India because India is rich and powerful.”

The Cricket Writers Club rewarded the Holding, which will retire for commenting this year. He has spoken passionately about racism for the past 18 months.

Yorkshire Dough Harry Brook won the Young Cricketer of the Year award and English Dough Sophia Dunkley won the Women’s Cricket Medal.

Versatile Alice Capsey won the Rising Player Award for her role in The Hundred for Oval Invincibles, while Nottinghamshire bowler Luke Fletcher was named County Championship Player of the Year and Alex Jervis was named Disabled Cricketer of the Year.