Former Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq feels it is the right move to turn Pakistan’s Asian Cup 2022 upside down. Razzaq opined that Dubai would be the best venue for the multinational tournament, but criticized India’s growing influence over the ICC.
Following the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting this week, the BCCI further strengthened its stance on the Indian team not traveling to Pakistan to play in this year’s Asian Cup. The reason given by the Indian junta is that they will not receive authorization from the government authorities to travel to Pakistan, due to diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
Speaking to Geo News, Razzaq said:
“It’s good for cricket. And for the promotion of cricket. India-Pakistan games only happen in ICC tournaments. If the Asia Cup has moved to Dubai, then it’s the best option. It’s good for cricket and the cricketers. It doesn’t happen that way. This has been going on for years. If the two boards sit down at the table and have a chat, that would be great. Both boards should solve this problem.”
Earlier, Razzaq’s compatriot Javed Miandad expressed his contempt for BCCI’s decision not to come to Pakistan. The 65-year-old claimed that Pakistan does not need India to survive and that the Men in Blue do not play against them for fear of losing.
“The PCB will have to accept the change of venue” – Former President
Former PCB Chairman Khaled Mahmood admitted that the Asian Cup would not be as glamorous a tournament without India; however, he asked ICC to question BCCI for refusing to tour Pakistan. As quoted by the Indian Express, he said:
“The world doesn’t run on ideologies and principles, otherwise the ICC should show its power and say to India ‘who are you not to go play the Asian Cup in Pakistan?’ But India has great influence in ICC. If we host the Asian Cup without India and without their players, the corporate sponsorship will stop. The big money will stop. And it won’t be a glamorous tournament without them. It would be a weak tournament. We will also lose money”.
The 2022 edition of the Asian Cup was held in the United Arab Emirates when Sri Lanka won the trophy by beating Pakistan in the final.