Cricket News

‘Scrap the Asia Cup’ – Former Pakistan Cricketer strongly retaliates to Jay Shah’s comments

The chain of events unfolded on Thursday with the Indian Cricket Board secretary and Asian Cricket Council President Jay Shah stating that India will not tour Pakistan for the Asia Cup in 2023 and that the multilateral tournament would rather be held at a neutral venue.

The Pakistan Cricket Board swiftly reacted on the same saying that such comments made by Shah were purely ‘unilateral’ and that statements like this could ‘split’ the international cricket community. It further went on to say that if the Asia Cup is moved out of their country, then the future of the 2023 50-over World Cup which is slated to be held in India could be under threat.

Now, former Pakistan Cricketer Javed Miandad has had his say on this matter when he said that according to him politics and cricket should be viewed from a different lens.

This pick-and-choose policy is wrong – Javed Miandad

“What’s the point of ICC? Scrap the Asia Cup if that’s the case. We are in Asia. We will only benefit from playing with each other. You shouldn’t bring politics into cricket. I request everyone for the sake of players. This pick-and-choose policy is wrong, you should stop playing cricket otherwise,” Miandad said during a discussion on ‘Express News’ show Josh Jaga Dey.

Ramiz Raja also had strong views on the matter saying that it is time for Pakistan to start taking harsh decisions and give a strong reply to India. Pakistan was also stunned by the timing of the announcement since the Asia Cup was to be held only in 2023.

Anurag Thakur the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports said on Thursday that the Home Ministry would decide on the fate of India’s travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup.

“Possibilities are always there. Who thought there will be COVID-19? Anything can happen but the chances (of Indian team travelling to Pakistan) are not much. It’s a decision that will be taken by the home ministry. Overall, players’ safety and security is an important matter,” the minister was quoted as saying.