Pakistan threaten to boycott 50-over World Cup after India's comments to shift Asia Cup
- Planet Sport writer
- 19 October 2022
Pakistan could boycott next year's 50-over World Cup in retaliation for Indian attempts to scupper their rivals’ status as hosts of the Asia Cup.
Jay Shah, secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and also president of the Asian Cricket Council, told reporters in Mumbai on Tuesday that his country would not travel to Pakistan for the 2023 Asian Cup due to ongoing political tensions between the nations.
He also took it upon himself to float the idea of staging the competition away from Pakistan - an idea that has gone down predictably badly with the hosts.
A terse statement has followed from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), complete with a threat to undermine the 2023 World Cup which is due to take place on Indian soil.
"The PCB has noted with surprise and disappointment yesterday's comments made by the ACC President Mr Jay Shah with regards to shifting of next year's Asia Cup to a neutral venue," the statement read.
"The comments were made without any discussion or consultation with the Board of the Asian Cricket Council or the Pakistan Cricket Board and without any thoughts towards their long-term consequences and implications.
"This is contrary to the philosophy and spirit for which the Asian Cricket Council was formed in September 1983 - a united Asian cricket body to safeguard the interests of its Members and organise, develop and promote the game of cricket in Asia.
"The overall impact of such statements have the potential to split the Asian and international cricketing communities, and can impact Pakistan's visit to India for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 and future ICC Events in India in the 2024-2031 cycle.
"The PCB has to date not received any official communication from the ACC on the statement of the ACC President.
"As such, the PCB has written to the Asian Cricket Council to convene an emergency meeting of its Board as soon as practically possible on this important and sensitive matter."
Pakistan and India have not played each other in a bilateral series since 2013 but do face off at global events, including a scheduled game at the T20 World Cup on Sunday.
