Former Pakistani wicket-keeper Rashid Latif has strongly criticized the PCB for not taking a stand on hosting all of the games in the upcoming Asia Cup 2023 in the country. Initially, it was believed that Pakistan would host the tournament and India would play in another country. However, a BCCI source recently suggested that if the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) believes there is not enough commercial viability in playing in two countries, they may decide to move the tournament away from Pakistan.
Speaking on the matter to Cricket Pakistan, Rashid Latif said:
“They [PCB] have bowed down officially [in front of India]. Now, they can say whatever they want in media, it doesn’t matter.”
Rashid Latif was an impressive right-handed wicket-keeper batsman representing Pakistan from 1992 to 2003. He featured in 37 Test matches and 166 One-Day Internationals for his nation.
“Cricket will be the ultimate sufferer”: Najam Sethi, PCB Chairman
Najam Sethi, Chairman of the PCB, suggested that a compromise approach be taken to address issues concerning cricket between India and Pakistan. He mentioned that if India does not take part in the Asia Cup in Pakistan, their government may refuse to allow the Pakistani team to travel to India. He said:
“In case of India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan to compete in the Asia Cup, chances are there that the government would not allow the Men in Green to cross the borders for their World Cup participation. In that case, cricket will be the ultimate sufferer.”
“There should be a middle way to solve problems that ensure the smooth hosting of ICC and ACC events. In case of India’s refusal to travel for the Asia Cup, the government might not allow us to travel to India to figure in the World Cup matches.”
“We have already floated the idea of a hybrid model to the ACC member countries whereby India should be allowed to play their matches at neutral venue of their choice. When it comes to our participation in the 2023 ODI World Cup, we might follow the same pattern.” He further added.
The Asia Cup 2023 is likely to take place in September, featuring One-Day International (ODI) matches.