Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has commented on the current issue between the BCCI and the PCB, saying that even the ICC can’t force BCCI and that the Indian board has all the power to do as they please.
The BCCI and the PCB continue to be at the loggerheads regarding the threatened withdrawal of the PCB from the 2023 World Cup in India if the Indian board doesn’t send their team to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, which also stands under the threat to be removed from Pakistan and shifted to the UAE by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
The BCCI secretary Jay Shah has made it clear that Team India will not travel to Pakistan for the continental event; also, Shah suggested that the tournament will be held in a neutral venue.
Shahid Afridi says BCCI too powerful for even ICC
The Pakistan Board have retaliated, saying that they will not send their team to the 2023 World Cup in India.
When queried about his issue to Shahid Afridi, the former all-rounder blamed the PCB for finding itself in such a problem.
“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,” Afridi said.
“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.
“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 said during an interaction with Samaa TV.
Play Asia Cup in Sri Lanka: R Ashwin
Senior India off-spinner R Ashwin has reiterated Jay Shah’s comments about India not touring Pakistan for the Asia Cup. Ashwin said that he’d like the tournament to be played in Sri Lanka rather than the UAE.
“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 say 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 shared on his YouTube channel.
“But the final call might be the Asia Cup moved to Sri Lanka. This is an important lead-up to the 50-over World Cup. Many tournaments have taken place in Dubai guys. I will also be pleased if it is moved to Sri Lanka,” he added.
