Former Pakistani fast bowler, Shoaib Akhtar, has weighed in on the debate surrounding the hosting of Asia Cup 2023. The tournament was initially scheduled to be held in Pakistan, but the venue is now uncertain due to security concerns. Shoaib has suggested that the tournament should remain in Pakistan or be held in Sri Lanka, who are the defending champions.
In a recent interview, Shoaib expressed his desire for the Asia Cup 2023 to be held in Pakistan or Sri Lanka. He believes that the tournament should be held in one of these two countries to maintain the competitive balance and ensure that cricket remains the winner.
“I want Asia Cup 2023 to be held in Pakistan; if not Pakistan, then Sri Lanka,” Akhtar said.
Shoaib also hopes to see India and Pakistan face off in the Asia Cup finals and World Cup. This rivalry is one of the most highly anticipated events in world cricket, and Shoaib believes that nothing else should happen in cricket except India and Pakistan finals.
“We have complex issues on hand, but when I go to the ACC and ICC meetings, I have kept all options open for us, and we have to take a clear position now,” said PCB chairman Najam Sethi.
Sethi has acknowledged that there are complex issues surrounding the hosting of the tournament, but he is optimistic that a solution can be found. He has also stated that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is exploring all options and will raise the issue in the upcoming ACC and ICC meetings.
ALSO READ : https://pakcricknews.com/babar-azams-practice-regime-facing-500-600-balls-in-a-session/
The chairman of the PCB management committee has also expressed concern over India’s reluctance to send their team to Pakistan for the Asia Cup. The PCB is considering not playing the World Cup in India if they do not visit Pakistan. Sethi believes that this is a double standard and that Pakistan should be allowed to host the tournament as all other teams have had no issues with security.
“I have kept my options open because when all teams are coming to Pakistan and have no issues with security. Then why is India worried about the security? In the same way, we can also have security concerns over sending our team to India for the World Cup, and I will be bringing this to the table at the coming meetings,” he said.
The ICC CEO and Executive Board meetings are scheduled to be held this month, and the matter is yet to be resolved. The decision on the hosting of the Asia Cup 2023 will have significant implications for the tournament and the future of cricket in the region.
