Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt has strongly reacted to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah's recent statement over the 2023 Asia Cup which is to be held in Pakistan.
Shah made it clear that the tournament will be moved to a neutral venue as India will not travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023, which led to criticism from across the border.
In response, Butt said that there's no reason to get shocked or worried about BCCI’s stand while saying that Pakistan should reciprocate in kind and not travel to India for ODI World Cup 2023.
The veteran Pakistani batter said that India has been firm on their stand on not playing Pakistan in a bilateral series anywhere and even not visiting the country for multi-nation events, so there is no need to get shocked. Rather, PCB shouldn't send the Pakistan team to India for the ODI World Cup next year.
Salman Butt said in a video on his YouTube channel: “Pakistan have invited them but they don't want to play. They should've accepted the invitation, but what can we say about it? Their stand has been firm on the same for a long time. They also don't want to play bilateral series at neutral venues. Other teams also played bilateral against Pakistan in the UAE. India plays Pakistan in World Cups, Asia Cups.”
He added, “If they have the policy of not playing Pakistan, there's no reason to get shocked or worried. If they don't want to play, you can't force them. There is no point in playing at a neutral venue. This is all because of all politics. So, no need to get shocked or worried. The least you could do is not play the World Cup, or ask for a neutral venue.”
