Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja is all set to oppose BCCI’s decision to include a dedicated two-and-a-half-month IPL window in the following FTP calendar beginning in 2023.
With Pakistani players not allowed in the IPL since 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, Raja believes that he can’t support BCCI’s move and will voice against the demand for a bigger IPL window during the upcoming ICC Board meeting in Birmingham from August 22.
“Pakistan’s stance is clear. Since its players not allowed to play in the IPL nor does BCCI have bilateral cricket ties with Pakistan. And what it going to gain from supporting an extended IPL window,” PTI quoted a source as saying.
If a player gets an opportunity to play in the IPL, his country’s cricket body receives 10% of his earnings from the cash-rich league.
“If BCCI pushes for an extended IPL window, Ramiz will insist that one country should not be isolated and made to suffer while other boards get benefits from it," the source further said.
Meanwhile, the PCB will support Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in its bid to retain the hosting rights for the 2022 edition of Asia Cup.
Asia Cup 2022, in a T20 format, was announced to be held in Sri Lanka between August 27 and September 11. Sri Lanka was declared host for the marquee event after an AGM was held between the member countries in March.
However, the country is dealing with a major economic crisis and questions are being raised if the island nation could still stage the tournament amid the ongoing civil and political unrest.
“The PCB chairman has assured his counterpart that Pakistan wants Sri Lanka to host the regional event as it would mean revenue earnings for the host country and will also boost their tourism," the source said.
While there is no official Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting scheduled in the coming days, all the members will be in attendance at the upcoming ICC Board meeting.
“Since all the ACC members will be present, there will be discussions on the sidelines and Pakistan is clear that Sri Lanka must host the Asia Cup unless their board decides otherwise," the source added.
“Pakistan’s point of view is clear that it has a long standing relationship with Sri Lankan cricket and both have always supported each other in times of need."
Recently, Sri Lanka successfully hosted the Australian men’s team in all three formats of the game. However, things have changed drastically in the past one week as the Presidential Palace was stormed by protesters and the Prime Minister’s residence was set on fire.
Despite the ongoing unrest, the source said PCB had assured the Sri Lankan cricket authorities that the Pakistan team will play its Test matches in Galle and Colombo, starting July 16.
(With PTI inputs)
