Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi has questioned Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to deny playing their ODI World Cup 2023 fixture against India at Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad. Earlier, this month it was reported via sources that PCB chief Najam Sethi had requested Pakistan’s games in Kolkata, Chennai or Bengaluru.
Afridi wants Babar Azam-led side to take the challenge head on and outclass India in from of a jam-packed Ahmedabad stadium.
"Why are they declining to play on Ahmedabad pitches? Does it hurl fire or is it haunted? Go and play - go, play and win. If these are the foreseen challenges, then the only way to overcome them is through a comprehensive victory. What matters at the end of the day is Pakistan team's win. The crux only and only lies in there. Take this rather positively. If they [India] are comfortable there, you should go, pull a victory in front of packed Indian crowd and show them what you got," Afridi told a local news channel.
India and Pakistan have played only one ODI at the venue. Inzamam-ul-Haq-led side won the gave by three wickets in a last-ball thriller. Afridi scored a quickfire 23-ball 40 in the game too.
Earlier on June 15, PCB's hybrid model for 2023 edition of Asia Cup was accepted by Asian Cricket Council (ACC). As per the 'hybrid model', Pakistan will host their four matches whereas the remaining nine matches will be played at neutral venue, Sri Lanka. The tournament will be played from August 31 to September 17.
PCB Chief Sethi also released a statement after the announcement by ACC.
"I am elated that our hybrid version for the ACC Asia Cup 2023 has been accepted. This means the PCB will remain as the event host and stage matches in Pakistan with Sri Lanka as the neutral venue, which was required due to the Indian cricket team’s inability to travel to Pakistan," he said in a video.
“Our passionate fans would have loved to see the India cricket team in action in Pakistan for the first time in 15 years, but we understand the BCCI’s position. Like the PCB, the BCCI also requires government approval and clearance before crossing borders," he added.
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