Pakistan reacted “strongly” to Jay Shah, Asia Cricket Council (ACC) President and Secretary of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) comments at BCCI press conference and “threatened” in-directly to pull out of CWC 2023. Jay Shah stated that India wouldn’t travel to Pakistan and ACC is considering the alternatives to hold the tournament at a neutral venue.
Pakistan cricket officials did not take these comments lightly and PCB stated that Jay Shah made unilateral statements and did not discuss with them, before making such an announcement. Pakistan in their written reply, stated that if Asia Cup is moved for India then they might “think” about travelling to India for CWC 2023.
India and Pakistan are scheduled to meet on 23rd October during ICC T20 World Cup at Australia. This match might not be under risk but if Pakistan resists to play against India in World Cups or Asia Cups in coming years, it could be huge loss for broadcasters and in penalty, BCCI and PCB might have to go to International Courts to solve the financial implications.
This development could also hurt Indian image in ICC and if any prominent Nations like England, Australia support PCB to end BCCI dominance in ICC, due to losses incurred, BCCI might be forced revenues or return to broadcasters as well. There are lot of complications attached to such decisions and emotional decisions might hurt Indian Cricket and peace loving friendly Nation reputation, Internationally.
This is the press release from PCB on Jay Shah comments: (We did not alter the official statement released by PCB)
The Pakistan Cricket Board has issued the following statement following the Asian Cricket Council President Mr Jay Shah’s remarks on Tuesday:
“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 comments were made without any discussion or consultation with the Board of the Asian Cricket Council or the Pakistan Cricket Board (event host) and without any thoughts towards their long-term consequences and implications.
“After having presided over the ACC meeting during which Pakistan was awarded the ACC Asia Cup with an overwhelming support and response from the ACC Board Members, Mr Shah’s statement of shifting of the ACC Asia Cup has clearly been made unilaterally. 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 the 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.”
West Indies stay alive in ICC T20 World Cup. Read here.
