INDIA/PAKISTAN: In a recent turn of events, former Pakistani cricket captain, Javed Miandad, has launched a scathing attack on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the ongoing Asia Cup row. Miandad’s remarks come after the Asia Cricket Council (ACC) approved the ‘hybrid model’ for the Asia Cup 2023, which will see India playing all their matches in Sri Lanka.
The former cricketer did not hold back, insisting that Pakistan should boycott traveling to India for any cricket matches unless the Indian cricket team visits Pakistan first.
Miandad, who has been consistently critical of India’s reservations about playing cricket in Pakistan, expressed his frustration with the BCCI’s refusal to tour Pakistan. Remarking on the situation, Miandad stated, “Pakistan has been to India in 2012 and even in 2016. Now it’s India’s turn to come here. If I had to choose, I would never travel to India to compete in any match, not even the World Cup. If I had to make a decision, I would never go to India to play any match, even the World Cup. Pakistan cricket is bigger… we are still producing quality players. India can go to hell. I don’t think even if we don’t go to India, it will make any difference to us.”
The strained relations between India and Pakistan have spilled over into cricket, with the Asia Cup row being just one example. Another contentious issue arises from Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023, scheduled to be held in India. Although the official schedule has yet to be announced, all eyes are eagerly anticipating the blockbuster India-Pakistan clash, which is slated to take place on October 15 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Moreover, recent reports suggest that Pakistan’s analytical team has recommended avoiding playing their World Cup match against Afghanistan on the spin-friendly surface in Chennai.
Miandad advocates for Pakistan taking a firm stance, insisting that they should refuse to participate in cricket events in India unless the BCCI reciprocates by sending the Indian cricket team to Pakistan.
In 2008, for the Asia Cup, India last visited Pakistan for a series. Since then, bilateral cricketing ties between the two nations have remained strained, particularly in the aftermath of the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
While emphasizing the importance of cooperation between neighboring countries, Miandad believes cricket can play a vital role in bridging misunderstandings and grievances. However, he expressed disappointment with India’s reluctance to tour Pakistan for cricket matches and urged Pakistan to take a strong stand in response.
The ongoing cricketing row between India and Pakistan highlights the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the sport in the subcontinent. The impact of these developments on the Asia Cup and the forthcoming ICC World Cup has yet to be seen, but one thing is clear: the diplomatic tension between the two nations has spilled over into the cricketing arena, adding further layers of intrigue and uncertainty to the game’s future in the region.
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