Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram said communication was important while making the decision to shift the 2023 edition of the Asia Cup from Pakistan to a neutral venue. He lambasted BCCI secretary Jay Shah for the lack of communication before on the venue change.
Shah, who also acts as the president of Asian Cricket Council, announced earlier this week that India won’t travel to Pakistan for Asia Cup, and the tournament will be shifted to a neutral venue.
Outrage ensued amongst Pakistani fans and former cricketers. Akram expressed his disappointment as well, more importantly for the way the decision was made. Akram said Shah should have informed Pakistan officials and discussed the matter before the decision.
“India can’t dictate how Pakistan should play cricket. I’m an ex-cricketer, a sportsperson, I don’t know what’s happening on the political front. But people to people contact is important.
If Jay Shah had to say something, he should have phone-called the PCB chairman, there should have been a meeting of the Asian Cricket Council. There should have been a discussion,”
Akram said on A Sports.
“You can’t just stand up and say we are not travelling when Pakistan were awarded the hosting rights for the Asia Cup. That’s not fair,”
he added.
The Pakistan Cricket Board had released a statement saying Shah’s comments were made “unilaterally” and could impact Pakistan’s participation in the 2023 World Cup, which is to be hosted in India.
On Thursday, Anurag Thakur, India’s sports minister said the country’s home ministry will take a call on the Indian team touring Pakistan for the 2023 Asia Cup. He said players’ safety and security is the priority. Thakur also added he expects Pakistan to visit India for the ODI World Cup.
