'India brings politics into sports' - Pakistani sports minister gives his opinion on hybrid model of Asia Cup 2023

Sports Minister (Source: Twitter)

Both India and Pakistan's Cricket Board are always disappointed with each other in the last 15 years. Ever since the schedule for ODI World Cup and Asia Cup for 2023 was announced, the members of the board have expressed their opinions regarding scheduling, the mode of hosting, and everything else between the choices of the two boards.

Reacting to the issue between the two boards, the Sports Minister of Pakistan, Ehsaan Mazari, has given his opinion. According to the reports, Ehsaan Mazari is not in favour of Pakistan playing the World Cup in India, if India does not participate in the Asia Cup in Pakistan.

Statement of Pakistan Sports Minister

“My personal opinion, since the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) comes under my ministry, is that if India demands to play their Asia Cup games at a neutral venue, we will also demand the same for our World Cup games in India.” said the Pakistani sports minister.

Mazari revealed a committee that will take recommendations from the members to discuss the issue. “The committee will be headed by Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and I am among the 11 ministers who are part of it. We will discuss the issue and give our recommendations to the PM, who is also the patron-in-chief of PCB. The PM will take the final decision.” said Ehsan Mazari.

Mazari also expressed his displeasure over India not being willing to travel to Pakistan. “Pakistan is the host; it has the right to hold all the matches in Pakistan. That is what the cricket lovers want, I don’t want a hybrid model. India brings politics into sports. I don’t understand why the Indian government doesn’t want to send their cricket team here. Some time back a huge baseball contingent from India was in Islamabad to play. There was also the bridge team that had travelled to Pakistan. There were around 60-plus people, I was the chief guest of the event. They won here and left. Pakistan’s football, hockey, and chess teams also travel to India.” said Mazari.