India had a dismal outing in the Asia Cup 2022 as they failed to make a cut to the summit clash of the continental tournament and it was Sri Lanka who won the tournament post defeating the Babar Azam-led Pakistani team. Although it is unclear if the upcoming contest would be held in Pakistan, the Asian Cricket Council’s chairman Jay Shah released the council’s pathway for 2023 and 2023 on January 5, Thursday.
While there were details about Men’s 50-over Challenger Cup set to begin from February 2023 to Men’s T20 emerging team Asia Cup in December 2024, fans were too keen to note that Pakistan and India were drawn in the same groups for the upcoming men’s senior Asia Cup. For the unversed, both teams were drawn in the same group in the previous edition of the continental tournament as well.
Although one has to agree that the venue is yet to be cleared, the excitement for the two teams to meet during the tournament has already begun. To add more, right after the conclusion of the Asia Cup 2023, the two teams will face off against each other in the 50-over World Cup set to take place in India.
What is leadership?: Ramiz Raja
Anguished by the Indian cricket board’s comments on not travelling to Pakistan to take part in the Asia Cup, the ousted Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) president Ramiz Raja claimed earlier that it would be unfair to take the hosting rights away from Pakistan especially when the team have been doing exceptionally well.
“What is leadership? When Asian Cricket Council has asked Pakistan to host a tournament and then India says they won’t travel to Pakistan and shift the tournament to a neutral venue, what should be the response? Kya hum sab servant rahenge India ke, kyunki woh ek world power hain apne hisab se. Kya hum har cheez unki mante jayenge?” (Are we servants of India just because they are a world power in cricket? Should we listen to everything they say?” Raja was quoted as saying by WION earlier.
“The Pakistan cricket team is enjoying a great run; you have a good fan following; you have superstars, so please give your team and fans the respect they deserve. There should be a decision on the matter, as the tournament was given to Pakistan, so how can it be shifted to a neutral venue without consulting us or the ACC members,” he added.
