‘They came to my office and apologised’ – Ramiz Raja reveals ECB’s response after they cancelled England’s tour of Pakistan in 2021

Former Pakistan Cricket Board Chief Ramiz Raja who was recently sacked from his position has once again commented on the debate over the 2023 Asia Cup venue. Pakistan is scheduled to host the mega event in 2023, however, there are doubts lingering over it as Indian Cricket Board Secretary Jay Shah said that India wouldn’t travel to Pakistan for the tournament. Hence, it will be moved out of Pakistan. Replying to Shah’s comments, Raja had threatened to pull out of the 2023 ODI World Cup Pakistan if India refuse to travel to Pakistan.

Now Raja has once again reignited the debate related to the venue of the Asia Cup by highlighting the past incidents when teams refused to travel to Pakistan due to security concerns and what followed next.

He also urged the new management not to bow down to India’s demands because of the high status they have in world cricket and instead show some leadership.

Speaking on Duniya News, the 60-year-old former cricketer-turned-administrator said, “One positive from my stint as a chairman was that I provided leadership. If you remember, New Zealand had left, and we told them that what you did was unfair. The England team refused to come; we spoke with them, following which they played 7 T20Is instead of 5, two extra. The ECB staff visited Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium; they came to my office and apologised. Similarly, Australia also visited.”

“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 k, 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?)

He said that the Pakistan team is enjoying a good run at the moment, and their players and fans should get the respect they deserve.

The Pakistan cricket team is enjoying a great run: Ramiz Raja

“We will think, will we get isolated? We’ll ask permission from the government, then talks will move further. These are not signs of good leadership. 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.