Amidst the tussle between the BCCI and PCB over the Asia Cup 2023 venue, India off-spinner R Ashwin recently opined that Pakistan boycotting the 50-over World Cup in India later this year is not a possibility.
After the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting earlier this month, PCB chairman Najam Sethi threatened to withdraw from the 2023 ODI World Cup amid reports on Asia Cup venue shift, echoing the words of his predecessor Ramiz Raja.
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.
“Asia Cup was supposed to take place in Pakistan. But India has announced that if it takes place in Pakistan, then we won’t be participating. If you want us to participate do change the venue. But we would have seen this happen many times. When we say that we won’t go to their place, they will that they will also not come to our place. Similarly, Pakistan has said that they will also not come to the World Cup. But however, I think it is not possible,” said Ashwin in a video posted on his YouTube channel.
Reacting to the recent developments, former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi blamed the PCB for finding themselves in such a situation.
“If anyone is unable to stand on his own feet and then the decision to make such strong calls is not easy. They have to look at plenty of things. India agar aankhe dikha raha hain (If India is showing you their eyes), or taking such strong stance, then they have made themselves that strong, hence they are being able to talk like this, otherwise they wouldn't have the courage. At the end it's making yourself strong and then take decisions.
“I have no idea, will India visit Pakistan for the Asia Cup? Will we boycott the ODI World Cup in India? But we need to take a stand at some point or the other,” Afridi said during an interaction with Samaa TV.
He also called for ICC’s interference in this matter, before stating that even the apex body won't be able to do anything in front of the BCCI.
“In this case ICC's role becomes crucial, they should come forward, but let me say it even ICC won't be able to do anything in front of BCCI,” Afridi added.
ACC will take a call on the Asia Cup 2023 venue next month when the committee meets again.
