The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reacted to Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Jay Shah's statement that India will not travel to Pakistan for Asia Cup 2023. PCB has threatened to pull out of ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 which will be played in India followed by other events in 2024-31 cycle.
During an informal media outing, after the BCCI's Annual General Body meet in Mumbai, Shah said, “India will play the Asia Cup at a neutral venue”.
PCB's full statement
“After having presided over the ACC meeting during which Pakistan was awarded the ACC Asia Cup with an overwhelming support and response from the ACC Board Members, Mr Shah’s statement of shifting of the ACC Asia Cup has clearly been made unilaterally. This is contrary to the philosophy and spirit for which the Asian Cricket Council was formed in September 1983 – a united Asian cricket body to safeguard the interests of the its Members and organise, develop, and promote the game of cricket in Asia.
“The overall impact of such statements have the potential to split the Asian and international cricketing communities, and can impact Pakistan’s visit to India for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 and future ICC Events in India in the 2024-2031 cycle.
“The PCB has to date not received any official communication or clarification from the ACC on the statement of the ACC President. As such, the PCB has now requested the Asian Cricket Council to convene an emergency meeting of its Board as soon as practically possible to discuss this important and sensitive matter.”
No India's tour of Pakistan since 2008
India have not travelled to Pakistan since 2008 and due to political tensions between the two nations. However, they have faced each other at the International Cricket Council (ICC) events. The Rohit Sharma-led India will take on Babar Azam’s Pakistan in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2022 on October 23 at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
