Ramiz Raja Threatens To Pull Out Of Asia Cup If The Tournament Is Shifted From Pakistan

Karachi: Fans waiting to see IND vs PAK matches might not be able to see the two teams playing against each other next year despite two multinational events i.e Asia Cup and Cricket World Cup. Notably, PCB and BCCI are in a tussle for the venue of the Asia Cup 2023. India have confirmed that they will not tour Pakistan for the Asia Cup after which PCB released a statement and said that If India don’t come to Pakistan, they will also not tour India for the World Cup.

Also, PCB chairman Ramiz Raja has said that if Asia Cup is shifted from Pakistan, they will pull out of the event, meaning that the chances of the two teams playing against each other next year are very grim.

“If that is the case if India cannot come to Pakistan, then we also have the option of not playing in the Asia Cup at all,” he said as quoted by PTI.

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India had last toured Pakistan in the year 2008 for the Asia Cup ODI event. Ramiz had earlier threatened that Pakistan might not tour India for next year’s World Cup if India continued to avoid touring Pakistan for any reason.

“Yes that is also there. We have options before us because frankly speaking, I don’t see the point of Asian Cricket Council (ACC) awarding us hosting rights of the Asia Cup when India is not going to come.” He noted that the Asia Cup would lose a lot of revenue if India versus Pakistan matches are not held.

The former Pakistan captain said that as a player, he had toured India and got a lot of respect and love from the Indian people and even after retirement he went there as commentator for IPL matches.

“Something needs to be done about this impasse but we look at this way that the Asia Cup is a multi-nation event and not a bilateral series between Pakistan and India. The two teams have been playing against each other in ACC and ICC events so why are there any problems for India to play in Pakistan.” He pointed out that all big teams were now playing in Pakistan and every effort was made to make them feel comfortable and give them the best state level security.

“I don’t know what will happen if India will come or not but we don’t want the tournament moved out of Pakistan. If that happens, we will look at pulling out of the event altogether,” he added.

Ramiz also said that the BCCI started this issue by giving a statement India would not tour Pakistan and he was forced to respond.

India has not played any bilateral Test cricket with Pakistan since 2007 while their last bilateral white ball series was held in the winter of 2012.

The BCCI will need sanction from the Indian government in order to travel to Pakistan.

(With Inputs From PTI)