The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Najam Sethi, has made an announcement regarding the possibility of boycotting the Asia Cup 2023 and ICC Cricket World Cup. The reason for this is due to a potential change in the venue of the Asia Cup, which has caused controversy. The BCCI secretary, Jay Shah, has stated that the Indian cricket team will not travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup and will push for a change in venue. In response, PCB has threatened to boycott the World Cup if India does not come to Pakistan.
Recent reports suggest that both teams may play their Asia Cup and World Cup matches at neutral venues. Despite this, Sethi has emphasized that the PCB is willing to bear the financial losses that may occur due to boycotting these events. He has also mentioned that the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has made them financially stable, which gives them the freedom to make such decisions.
In an interview with a local TV channel, Sethi stated,
“If we don’t play Asia Cup, we will face a loss of $3 million. If we don’t play World Cup or boycott it, then our relations with ICC will worsen. India and Pakistan’s game in the World Cup also holds great significance. Issues will arise,” as quoted by CricketPakistan.pk.
‘PSL Has Made Us Financially Stable’: PCB Chairman
He further added, “As far as finances are concerned, my personal opinion is that in the past, PCB was dependent on the money from ICC, so we had to agree to their terms. However, now PSL has made PCB financially independent. We get the same amount from PSL, which we receive from ICC. We have decided that we are ready to bear loss of $3 million in order to protect our honour and political stance.”
According to Sethi, he understands that the people of Pakistan want the Men in Green to stand firm on their stance if India decides not to come to Pakistan for the Asia Cup. He mentioned that the public wants them to hold their ground and not be dictated to. He further stated, “I know people don’t want us to go to India if India doesn’t come to Pakistan. People want us to stand our ground and not be dictated to.”