The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and ESPNcricinfo landed in hot waters over a news article published by the latter, titled ‘Decision on Asia Cup venue postponed to March 2023,’ which states that all countries in the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) have been asked to take permission from their respective boards to play the 2023 Asia Cup in Pakistan. The PCB has also released a press update dismissing all the reports.
PCB statement ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/5BLTCB21uP
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 5, 2023
No Such Matters Were Raised; Says PCB
In a press release, PCB clarified that no such matters were raised in the meeting, nor did any member indicate any intention to seek government clearance for playing in Pakistan. Sri Lanka has recently visited Pakistan in 2017 and 2019, while Bangladesh toured Pakistan in 2020. “In the 2023-2027 Future Tours Programme (FTP), which has been agreed and announced by all ICC Members, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka have confirmed their tours to Pakistan,” reads the statement.
It should be noted that Pakistan has the hosting rights of Asia Cup 2023, but BCCI secretary Jay Shah stated in September 2022 that India will not travel to Pakistan and that the event would be shifted to a neutral venue. In response, the ex-chairman of PCB Ramiz had said that alteration to the Asia Cup might see them sit out of the 50-over World Cup in India later this year.
‘India Can’t Dictate How Pakistan Will Play Cricket’- Former Pak Players React to Asia Cup Row
The former Pakistan captain and fast bowler Waqar Younis slammed the BCCI and accused the Indian board of “damaging” Pakistan cricket. He said, “They want to damage Pakistan, as simple as that. Pakistan should take a stand, and I think PCB gave a good statement. We have to take care of Pakistan cricket, and we have to look after our dignity and respect because that is more important than playing cricket with them. We will see what happens over the next few days.” While legendary fast bowler, Wasim Akram said; “India can’t dictate how Pakistan will play cricket. I am all for political differences and I can’t say what is happening on the political front. People need to speak to each other. Jay Shah should have convened a meeting where other boards could have shared their views. After all the ACC itself has awarded Pakistan, the rights of the Asia Cup.”
Also read: Najam Sethi Takes a Dig at Jay Shah for Unilaterally Unveiling Asia Cup Calendar
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