Former Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq feels that moving the 2022 Asia Cup from Pakistan is the right move. Razzaq felt that Dubai would be the best venue for the multinational tournament, but strongly condemned the steady rise of India’s influence on the ICC.
After the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting this week, the BCCI has taken its stance further on the Indian team not traveling to Pakistan to play in this year’s Asia Cup. The reason given by the Indian committee is that they will not get permission 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 matches happen only in ICC tournaments. If the Asia Cup is shifted to Dubai, then that’s the best option. It’s good for cricket and cricketers. It doesn’t happen like this. It’s been going on for years. If two boards would sit around the table and talk, it would be great. Both boards should solve this problem.”
Earlier, Razzaq’s compatriot Javed Miandad expressed his disdain over BCCI’s decision not to come to Pakistan. The 65-year-old stated that Pakistan does not need India to survive and that the Men in Blue do not play against them for fear of defeat.
“PCB will have to accept the change of venue” – Ex-President
Former PCB chairman Khaled Mahmood admitted that the Asia Cup would not have been such a glamorous tournament without India; however, he urged the ICC to probe the BCCI for refusing to tour Pakistan. As quoted by the Indian Express, he said:
“The world does not rest on ideology and principles; otherwise the ICC should show its might and say to India ‘who are you not to go and play the Asia Cup in Pakistan?’ But India has a lot of influence on the ICC. If we host the Asia Cup without India and without their players, the corporate sponsorships will stop. 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 Asia Cup was held in the United Arab Emirates and Sri Lanka won the trophy by defeating Pakistan in the final.