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Shoaib Akhtar (Source - Twitter)
There is a tussle going on between the Indian Cricket Board and the Pakistan Cricket Board over the conduct of the Asia Cup 2023 as the official cricket board’s secretary of India Jay Shah refused to let the Indian team travel to Pakistan for the tournament after which PCB also announced that Pakistan will not travel to India for 50-over World Cup.
Meanwhile, former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar expressed his desire to see India vs Pakistan in the World Cup final as he wanted the Men in Green to avenge their 12-year-old semi-final loss in the 2011 World Cup against India. He also added that if Pakistan come to India, it will be bigger news than the whole World Cup tournament.
“I want an India vs Pakistan final, whether they are playing in Mumbai or Ahmedabad, 2011 ka badla lena hai is baar (Want to avenge the loss of 2011 semifinal). Pakistan landing in India will be bigger news than the World Cup.” Akhtar said on SportsTak.
Who is the Indian Cricket Board to decide: Shoaib Akhtar
Meanwhile, talking about the Asia Cup, Jai Shah, who is also the chief of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), said in a meeting that the tournament will be held at a neutral venue. Akhtar also requested the former cricketers of both countries to not make unnecessary comments on this issue. He further added that the cricket boards of both countries should resolve the issue as soon as possible.
“These are trash talks. Neither the Indian Cricket Board nor PCB can do anything in this matter. The official cricket in India can’t do anything without asking the Indian government. Our board also can’t do anything without consulting our government,” he said.
“Everyone gives their opinion when it comes to the India-Pakistan tie. I have a request for all the former players from both sides; please stay away from making unnecessary comments. If Narendra Modi -led government will give the green light, who is the Indian Cricket Board to decide that they will travel to Pakistan,” he said.