Former Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq, who is known for his controversial statements, has grabbed the headlines this time around with his comments over the Asia Cup 2023 venue shift.

According to Razzaq, it’s “good for cricket” if the multi-nation tournament gets shifted to another venue, out of Pakistan.

“It’s good for cricket. And for cricket promotion. India-Pakistan games only happen in ICC tournaments. If Asia Cup has been shifted to Dubai, then it’s best option. It’s good for cricket and cricketers,” Razzaq told Geo News.

Notably, Pakistan have the hosting rights but BCCI secretary Jay Shah in September 2022 that India will not travel and the event would be shifted to a neutral venue.

The reiteration of India not willing to travel to Pakistan was made at the Asian Cricket Council’s (ACC) executive board meeting held in Bahrain last week.

When the host enquired whether India should be stopped from hosting marquee events if they continue to pick-and-choose, Razzaq replied: “It doesn’t happen like this. This has been on for years. If the two boards sit across table and chat, it would be great. Both boards should solve this issue.”

The BCCI has already mentioned the reason behind the team’s refusal to travel to Pakistan, citing that it won’t get ‘clearance from the Indian government’.

After the ACC meeting, the PCB has also threatened to boycott the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, with current chairman Najam Sethi echoing the words of his predecessor Ramiz Raja.

Last month, the ACC announced that the Men's ODI Asia Cup 2023 will take place in September and India-Pakistan would be in the same group along with a Qualifying team. However, no statement was made over the venue.

ACC will discuss the hosts and venue next month when the committee meets again.