Former Pakistan cricketer admits Dubai as 'Best Option' for Asia Cup 2023

Jay Shah and Najam Sethi (Source: Twitter)

The controversy surrounding the Asia Cup 2023 has become out of control and has involved both former and present cricketers from India and Pakistan. The issue intensified after Indian Cricket Board refused to tour Pakistan for the tournament. After the destination was announced last year Secretary of the Indian Cricket Board said that India will not go to Pakistan considering the political instability in Pakistan and their regressed geopolitical relations with India. 

The decision did not sit well with the Pakistan Cricket Board, as the new chief of PCB Najam Sethi threatened to pull out of the 50-over Cricket World Cup in India later this year if the Asian Giants did not come to their country for the Asia Cup. Amid threats and debate, former Pakistan allrounder Abdul Razzaq made a shocking statement over the issue. Contrary to Sethi’s threats Razzaq said that it’s “good for cricket” if Asia Cup gets shifted to another venue. 

While discussing the issue with Geo News Razzaq said, “It’s good for cricket. And for cricket promotion. India-Pakistan games only happen in ICC tournaments. If Asia Cup has been shifted to Dubai, then it’s the best option. It’s good for cricket and cricketers.” 

However, When the host asked if India should be barred from hosting major tournaments if they continue to pick and choose, Razzaq disagreed and said, “It doesn’t happen like this. This has been on for years. If the two boards sit across the table and chat, it would be great. Both boards should solve this issue.”

Ace India spinner Ravi Ashwin suggests Sri Lanka as the new venue

Ravichandran Ashwin on his YouTube channel said, “we would have seen this happen many times, right? When we say Asia Cup won’t go to their place, they will say that they will also not come to our place. The final call might be that the Asia Cup will be moved to Sri Lanka. This is an important lead-up to the 50-over World Cup. Many tournaments have taken place in Dubai. I would also be pleased if it is moved to Sri Lanka,” Ashwin said.

This issue was triggered after Jay Shah secretary of the Indian Cricket Board had announced that India will not tour Pakistan because of bad Government and Political ties between the two nations. Shah is also the chief of the Asian Cricket Council and his sudden refusal didn’t go well with Pakistan Cricket Board.