Asia Cup: “India is strong, even ICC won’t be able to do anything against BCCI”, says Shahid Afridi
The issue of the Asia Cup venue has now become home to many controversies due to which the BCCI and PCB have been in a stand-off for a few months. The upcoming Men’s Asia Cup is scheduled to be held in Pakistan for which the BCCI secretary Jay Shah has already made it clear that the Indian team will not be visiting Pakistan for the tournament, urging the continental event to be held in a neutral venue.
Also, due to this, there have been many reports which surfaced that the tournament could be held elsewhere. The arch rivals, on the other hand, have been equally fighting the issue, with many from Pakistan criticized India for not traveling for Asia Cup and have even threatened to boycott the 50-over ODI World Cup, which is scheduled to be played in October-November in India.
PAKISTAN WILL DEFINITELY COME TO INDIA: ASHWIN
Sharing the views on the matter, Indian spinner R Ashwin says that for the showpiece event, he is confident that Pakistan will definitely come to India. Along with this, he also made an interesting suggestion of moving the Asia Cup venue to Sri Lanka, instead of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
R Ashwin said in a video on his YouTube channel, “We won’t be travelling for Asia Cup to Pakistan, which was supposed to take place there as India has announced that if it takes place in Pakistan, then India won’t be participating. If they (Pakistan) want us to participate, they have to change the venue.
But we would have seen this happen many times because when we say that we won’t go to their (Pakistan) place, they will say that they will also not come to our (India) place. Similarly, Pakistan has said that they will also not come to the World Cup.
But I think that it is not possible.” “Since, many tournaments have taken place in Dubai guys. So, I will also be pleased if it (the tournament) is moved to Sri Lanka. 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,” the Indian spinner added.
SHAHID AFRIDI SLAMS ICC OVER ASIA CUP HOSTING ROW
Former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi too came forward to talk about the issue and blamed the system that the PCB finds themselves in such a situation. The 45-year-old mentioned that the International Cricket Council (ICC) should be involved in the matter adding that the ICC is going to be powerless against the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI).
“If anyone is unable to stand on his own feet and then the decision to make such strong calls is not easy,” Afridi said adding that before making a decision I want to advise Pakistan to examine its economy and reputation in the cricketing community.
“India agar aankhen dikha raha hai (If India is showing you their eyes), or taking such strong stance, then they have made themselves stronger, that is why they are able to talk like this, otherwise, they wouldn’t have the courage,” said the 45-year-old former Pakistan cricketer in an interview on Samaa TV. Our Men In Blue and Pakistan have not played any bilateral cricket matches since Pakistan’s trip to India in 2012-13.
Stressing that even the ICC won’t be able to act against India, Afridi said the BCCI has made itself an indispensable power in the global cricket body. “I have no idea; will India visit Pakistan for the Asia Cup? Will we boycott the ODI World Cup in India?
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But we need to take a stand at some point or the other, Afridi said. “In this case, they (ICC) should come forward, as ICC’s role becomes crucial, but let me say it even ICC Won’t be able to do anything in front of BCCI,” he added. The issue will now be taken further when ACC reconvenes in Dubai in March.
Jay Shah, who is the ACC chairman and BCCI secretary, issued a statement earlier this month stating there will be “a constructive dialogue” on the Asia Cup. However, a PCB official has confirmed to a newspaper that there has been consensus on the proposal to relocate the tournament to a neutral venue.
