Wasim Akram hits out at Jay Shah for his remark on India not visiting Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023

Wasim Akram: (Image Source: Twitter)

India and Pakistan are all set to lock horns with each other in a highly anticipated encounter on Sunday at Melbourne Cricket Stadium. Ahead of the start of the game, the cricket boards of both countries have gotten into a tussle.

A few days earlier, the Indian Cricket Board’s president, Jay Shah had stated that India will not visit Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023 and the tournament will rather be held in a neutral venue. His statement didn’t go down well with the rival nation and strong reactions came in from former as well as present cricketers of Pakistan.

Pakistan Cricket Board also issued a statement, in which they said that Jay Shah’s remark can impact Pakistan’s visit to India for the 2023 World Cup.

"The PCB has noted with surprise and disappointment yesterday’s comments made by the ACC President 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 (event host) and without any thoughts towards their long-term consequences and implications," PCB said.

"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.

Former Pakistan cricketer, Wasim Akram also shared his thoughts on the ongoing controversy. He said that it wasn’t wise for Jay Shah to make such a statement and that he should have called for a meeting and then made a decision.

"India cannot dictate on how Pakistan play their cricket. For 10-15 years, much cricket did not take place in Pakistan and now teams have finally started touring Pakistan. I am all for their difference, I am an ex-cricketer and sportsperson, I don't know whats happening on the political front. But people to people contact is very important," Akram told A Sports.

"If you wanted to say something like this Mr Jay Shah, then you should have atleast called our chairman and you should have called for a meeting of the Asian Council. You could have given your point of view and there could have been a discussion on it. You cannot just stand up and say we are not travelling to Pakistan," he added.