The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had said that they would not go to Pakistan for the 2023 Asia Cup due to ongoing political concerns between India and Pakistan. After that, the Pakistan Cricket Board responded to the BCCI by stating that if the Indian team does not go to Pakistan, they would also boycott the ICC ODI World Cup, which will be held in India later this year.
In an interview with ANI, legendary India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh was questioned whether the PCB would boycott the ODI World Cup in India if the BCCI did not agree to play the Asia Cup in Pakistan. Because to security concerns, India will not go to Pakistan, according to the 42-year-old batsman. He went on to remark that if they want to fly to India they may and if they are not willing, India won’t worry about it.
“India shouldn’t go to Pakistan as it isn’t safe there and why are we taking danger of visiting when their own people do not feel comfortable in their country? I believe that if they want to come, they should come, and if they don’t want to come, we don’t mind. Maybe Pakistan Cricket needs India, but we can succeed without them,” Harbhajan told ANI.
Earlier on Wednesday, veteran Pakistan sprinter Shoaib Akhtar commented on the change in Asia Cup location. The veteran bowler said that if Pakistan’s hosting rights are reclaimed, he would want Sri Lanka to host the Asia Cup. According to the Rawalpindi Express, he also wants India and Pakistan to meet in the finals of this year’s Asia Cup and World Cup.
“If not Pakistan, then Sri Lanka should host the Asia Cup in 2023. I’d want to see India and Pakistan meet in the Asia Cup and World Cup finals. Nothing else should happen in global cricket except the finals between India and Pakistan “Akhtar said.
Despite the confusion surrounding the Asia Cup location, any changes will be resolved only in the second round of the Executive Board Meeting of ACC members, which is scheduled for later in March.
