PCB reacts to ACC's Asia Cup decision

PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja [Source: Twitter]

Asian Cricket Council president Jay Shah hinted at next year's Asia Cup's shifting from Pakistan to a neutral venue on Tuesday. However, as per a recent development, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has responded to the statement made by Mr Shah by releasing an official counter-statement. 

PCB has accused the ACC of violating the philosophy and spirit behind the organisation's formation by not consulting with them formally before making such a bold move. The governing body has also expressed its disappointment, requesting the ACC to organise an immediate meeting to resolve the matter. 

Here's what PCB's media release read

"The PCB has noted with surprise and disappointment of 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. 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 or clarification from the ACC on the statement of the ACC President. As such, the PCB has now requested the Asian Cricket Council to convene an emergency meeting of its Board as soon as practically possible to discuss this important and sensitive matter."

Although the off-field relationships between the players from India and Pakistan have brought smiles to the faces of millions from both sides of the border, the political tussle between BCCI and PCB has soured the bilateral ties between the two nations. Amidst such tension between the two boards, it is speculated that Pakistan might even pull out of next year's ODI World Cup in India. 

As a result, it seems like we will have to wait a long time to witness the resumption of bilateral cricket between these two Asian giants. 

Also Read: Harmanpreet Kaur ruled out of WBBL 08 with injury