Tensions between the Pakistan Cricket Board and India have hit a boiling point over recent weeks after Indian Cricket Board secretary Jay Shah announced that India will not travel to Pakistan for the 2023 Asia Cup and claimed the tournament will take place at a neutral venue. Ramiz Raja claimed that there is no excuse for India and Pakistan to be playing each other regularly.
PCB chairman Ramiz Raja once again talked about the possibility of bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan. Raja took a fresh dig at Indian Cricket Board, and this time he also involved the Apex Cricket Council in the matter. The PCB chief stated that India produces the entire wealth for the cricket council which is the reason why the governing body didn’t intervene in their matter.
“They are circumspect and not forthcoming because India produces the entire Cricket council’s wealth, and so their position, unfortunately, is compromised as a result, I don’t think it’s going to change unless we have a resolve and commitment in every cricket board and our cricket fraternity works towards making it happen,” Ramiz Raja was quoted as saying by the National.
“Of course, we need to play each other. Who wouldn’t want to watch India versus Pakistan? There shouldn’t be an excuse for Pakistan not playing in India or India not playing in Pakistan,” he added.
The drought of the India vs Pakistan bilateral series
It is known that both teams only play against each other in major tournaments only. The two teams last faced each other in a bilateral series way back in the 2012-13 season, when they played three ODIs and two T20s. India have not toured Pakistan for any cricket since the 2008 Asia Cup. The last bilateral tour was in 2006 when the Men in Blue played 3 Tests and 5 T20Is in the country.
After the Indian Cricket Board Asia Cup 2023 announcement, Pakistan has threatened to boycott the 2023 50-over World Cup which will take place in India. Pakistan did play the 2011 World Cup and 2016 20-20 World Cup in India during this period. It will be interesting to see what will be decided as both boards are looking to stick to their decisions.
