The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had made a strong call to invite the BCCI President Roger Binny, Vice President Rajeev Shukla, and Secretary Jay Shah to watch the first match of the Asia Cup 2023 in Multan. But, their invitation has been reportedly declined by the BCCI.
The Asia Cup 2023 will kick-start on August 30 with Pakistan hosting Nepal in Multan. Pakistan will then face India in Pallekele on September 2.
Out of the 13 matches in the tournament, 4 will be played in Pakistan – one in Multan and 3 in Lahore- and the rest, including the final in Sri Lanka.
Will Jay Shah travel to Pakistan for Asia Cup?
Jay Shah is also the President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), yet, according to a report in InsideSport, the invitation from the PCB to Jay Shah, Roger Binny and Rajeev Shukla, has been declined and the trio has no plans to visit Pakistan. It is believed that the trio won’t get permission from the Indian government because of the tense diplomatic, political, and border relations between the two nations.
“Yes, we have received an invitation from PCB. But at this point, it is unlikely that anybody is visiting. Not just players, even we as officials must have the Indian government’s permission to visit Pakistan. We have not got any clearance,” a senior BCCI official told InsideSport.
The PCB had also sent invitations to other big office bearers, including ICC Chairman Greg Barclay and ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice.
Jay Shah to attend India vs Pakistan match in Sri Lanka
Earlier, Zaka Ashraf, the PCB chairman had confirmed to the Pakistani media about their invite to the BCCI officials. However, Arun Dhumal, the BCCI’s representative to ICC, denied it. Zaka even said that Jay Shah had accepted the invitation. The duo had met on the sidelines of the ICC meeting in Durban a month ago.
“I got to know that Jay Shah is the Secretary General of BCCI. When I went to South Africa, I offered to meet and talk. So we sat down for a conversation, and it went smoothly. Jay Shah gave his point of view, and I also in exchange reciprocated equally well. I invited him to the opening of the Asia Cup. He promised that he’d definitely attend it. Conversely, he also invited me to the World Cup matches in India; I assured him of my presence over there,” Zaka Ashraf said.
Jay Shah may not attend any match in Pakistan, but he’s set to attend the India vs Pakistan game in Pallekele on September 2, along with Roger Binny.
