Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Ramiz Raja has stated that if their hosting rights for the 2023 Asia Cup are taken away, the Pakistan cricket team may withdraw from the 2023 ODI World Cup. This could have serious ramifications from the Apex Cricket Council, given that Pakistan has also mentioned withdrawing from the Asia Cup for the same reason. Ramiz, on the other hand, turned the tables on the Indian Cricket Board with a stunning response to the query.
Ramiz pointed out to BBC’s Test Match Special that it was the Indian Cricket Board who caused this uproar. In October, amid rumours that the board would allow the Indian team to visit Pakistan for the first time in 14 years, Jay Shah, secretary of the Indian Cricket Board and president of the Asian Cricket Council, revealed that such a tour would not be permitted and insisted on a change of venue.
PCB retaliated by threatening to withdraw from the World Cup, which will be held in India next year. “What happens if the government of Pakistan doesn’t allow Pakistan to travel to India because of security issues? It is quite an emotional subject here. The debate was started by BCCI in a way. We had to respond. Test cricket needs India v Pakistan,” Ramiz responded on the matter.
Through sports, we can take care of the tribe mentality: Ramiz Raja
Ramiz wants India to put aside political differences and travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup next year, citing the ongoing FIFA World Cup as an example.
“You saw what happened in the World Cup – 90,000 fans turned up [at MCG]. I am just a little disappointed with the ICC. When the point was put to the FIFA president why is the US playing Iran, Iran has so many issues regarding women’s rights, he picked up the football and said this can solve a lot of issues. Through sports, we can take care of the tribe mentality. I feel let bat and ball talk,” he said.
