BCCI President Binny says ‘govt clearance’ necessary for touring Pakistan
Secretary Jay Shah had stated that India won't go to Pakistan for Asia Cup 2023
KARACHI: Newly-elected Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Roger Binny has opened up about the Men in Blue touring Pakistan for the next year’s Asia Cup.
Binny, who replaced Sourav Ganguly as the BCCI chief on Tuesday, has admitted that clearance for touring or inviting other countries can only be given by the government.
“That isn’t our call," Binny was quoted as saying by news agency ANI on Thursday. “We can’t say where our team has to go. We need to take clearance from government if we leave the country or other countries come here. We can’t take that decision on our own, we’ve to rely on government."
It must be noted that on Tuesday BCCI Secretary Jay Shah had unilaterally announced that India won’t be touring Pakistan for the Asian event. Shah also said that the BCCI will insist on a neutral venue for the tournament.
BCCI’s stance left the PCB “surprised and disappointed” and they hinted that such statements could impact Pakistan’s participation in next year’s World Cup in India.
Earlier today, according to Press Trust of India, Thakur had lashed out at the PCB by stating that India is not in a position to listen to anyone.
“It’s BCCI’s matter and they will comment on it. India is a sporting powerhouse, where many World Cups have been organised. The ODI World Cup will also take place next year in India and all big teams around the globe will take part in it,” Thakur was quoted as saying on the sidelines of an event for the announcement of the Khelo India Youth Games.
“Because, you can’t ignore India in any sport. India has contributed a lot to sports, especially cricket. So, the World Cup will be organised next year, and it will grand and historic event. Home ministry will take a decision as there is security concerns in Pakistan. It’s not just cricket. India is not in a position to listen to anyone,” he added.
The Asia Cup in 2023 will be a 50-over event as it will be used to prepare for the ODI World Cup in India next year.
India have not toured Pakistan since 2008 due to strained relations between the two countries.
The last bilateral series between the arch-rivals took place in 2012, when Pakistan toured India for limited-overs matches.
Over the past few years, the two countries have only faced each other in ICC and ACC events.
Comments