Published: Dec 02, 2022, 04:31 PM (IST)
Edited: Dec 02, 2022, 05:40 PM (IST)
New Delhi: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has taken a dig at Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Jay Shah indirectly for awarding them the Asia Cup next year and then stating India will not travel to compete in the continental tournament.
Shah, who is also the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary, had stated earlier this year that the Men in Blue won’t travel to the neighboring country to play the Asia Cup 2023 and the event to be held in a neutral country.
“Why give it (Asia Cup 2023) to us in the first place and then make all those statements that India will not travel,” Raja was quoted as saying to BBC’s Test Match Special.
“India cannot come because the government will not allow them because that has been the stated position, but to take the Asia Cup away from us is just not right,” added the former cricketer.
Raja also felt that there is no reason why India and Pakistan not play each other.
“Both boards need to come to terms whether we want to play each other or not,” Raja said. According to Raja, Pakistan are willing to play their neighbours but stated India’s political interference spoils everything.
“Pakistan is willing, but they quote political interference. You can’t work when there is political interference,” he added. “They quote the government doesn’t allow it, so that kills the debate. There is no reason why India couldn’t come to Pakistan and Pakistan go to India.”
Pakistan’a last visit to India was during the T20 World Cup in 2016. India haven’t toured Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup.
