Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi, Oct 21: Wasim Akram recently responded to Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Jay Shah’s remark that India won’t be visiting Pakistan for the Asia Cup in 2023. According to the illustrious pacer, Jay Shah should have at least called PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja before making such a statement so that there may have been a dialogue. A comment like this, he continued, is “simply not fair.”
The entire series of events began on Tuesday when Jay Shah declared that India will not travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023 and would prefer to have the competition take place at a neutral site.
“India cannot dictate on how Pakistan play their cricket. For 10-15 years, much cricket did not take place in Pakistan and now teams have finally started touring Pakistan. I am all for their difference, I am an ex-cricketer and sportsperson, I don’t know whats happening on the political front. But people to people contact is very important,” said Akram.
“If you wanted to say something like this Mr Jay Shah, then you should have atleast called our chairman and you should have called for a meeting of the Asian Council. You could have given your point of view and there could have been a discussion on it. You cannot just stand up and say we are not travelling to Pakistan,” he added.
“The hosting rights of the Asia Cup were awarded to Pakistan, the entire council awarded the rights. It is just not fair,” he further added.
The entire series of events began on Tuesday when Jay Shah declared that India will not travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023 and would prefer to have the competition take place at a neutral site.
The PCB subsequently retaliated, claiming that the remarks were unilateral and had the potential to “split” the cricket world. Moving the Asia Cup from Pakistan “may effect future events in India,” including the World Cup, it was further stated.
Anurag Thakur, the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, stated on Thursday that the decision about the cricket team’s trip to Pakistan for the Asia Cup would be made by the home ministry.
