The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board are at odds over hosting the 2023 Asia Cup in Pakistan (PCB). The top cricket governing body in India has already made hints that they will not participate in the competition later this year. According to reports, the PCB is also considering boycotting the ODI World Cup, which will be held in India later in 2023.
As of right now, Rawalpindi Express, a well-known former Pakistan cricketer named Shoaib Akhtar, has provided his thoughts on the subject. Akhtar stated that if Pakistan cannot host the 2023 Asia Cup, Sri Lanka should. The veteran pacer who is currently playing in the Legends League Cricket Masters in Qatar also said that he wanted India and Pakistan to play in the finals of both the Asia Cup and the World Cup. Notably, Pakistan also has the hosting rights for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
While speaking to ANI, Akhtar said: “I want Asia Cup 2023 to be held in Pakistan if not Pakistan then Sri Lanka. I want to see India and Pakistan play the final in Asia Cup and World Cup. Nothing else should happen in world cricket just India and Pakistan finals.”
Najam Sethi, the chairman of the PCB, stated on Monday, March 13, that if India’s position does not alter, the PCB will likewise stand by its decision to boycott the ODI World Cup. He also questioned the BCCI, asking why India cannot come if no other nation has a problem with the security in Pakistan.
“I have kept my options open because when all teams are coming to Pakistan and have no issues with security. Then why is India worried about security? In the same way, we can also have security concerns over sending our team to India for the World Cup and I will be bringing this to the table at the coming meetings,” Sethi said at a press conference.
Sethi went on to say that he will raise the issue in the next Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and ICC meetings. However, whether or not there will be any change in the venue will only be decided in the second round of the Executive Board Meeting of ACC members, later this month.
