Pakistan is supposed to hold the Asia Cup this year. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) declined to let the Indian team play in Pakistan. As a result, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also refused to let Pakistan participate in the Cricket World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in India. This disagreement between the BCCI and PCB continued for a long time.
In the end, the PCB put forward a mixed model for the Asia Cup to the ACC, which was approved by the ACC. As per the ACC announcement, Pakistan will host 4 matches of the Asia Cup, while the remaining 9 matches will be played in Sri Lanka. Even though the ACC accepted PCB’s suggestion, it is still uncertain if Pakistan will travel to India for the World Cup.
As per the reports, the match between India and Pakistan in the World Cup is scheduled to take place at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. However, the PCB has shown hesitation about this venue. During a recent interview, former Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Afridi questioned the PCB, saying, “Why are you refusing to play on Ahmedabad’s pitches? Is there something wrong with them or do they have any issues? Just go, play, and win. If these are seen as challenges, the only way to overcome them is through a comprehensive victory.”
The 46-year-old former all-rounder Shahid Afridi thinks that the PCB should consider this matter seriously and instead of beating India in their own territory, they should settle it on the field. He also mentioned that what truly matters is the victory of the Pakistan team. If India feels comfortable playing at home, then the Pakistan team should go there with great enthusiasm. India should be defeated in front of stadiums filled with Indian fans.
