'We have only this option resorted to ourselves' - Shahid Afridi's plea to PCB amidst Asia Cup, World Cup saga

Shahid Afridi, Najam Sethi and Jay Shah (Source: Twitter)

With the Indian Cricket Board clear about not flying to Pakistan for the next Asia Cup 2023, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is firm about not giving up hosting rights for the upcoming major intercontinental competition.

The PCB has suggested the 'hybrid venue' format, in which India will play its matches at a neutral location. Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has asked the PCB to allow the squad to travel to India for the World Cup 2023, stating that Pakistan returning with the trophy will be a tight slap to the Indian Cricket Board.

According to reports, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has decided to move the Asia Cup 2023 out of the nation due to other members' refusal of the 'Hybrid Venue' plan. As a result, the PCB has threatened to boycott the ODI World Cup if the Asia Cup is moved outside of the nation. Despite the impasse, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has encouraged the cricket governing body to allow the Men in Green to travel to India, claiming that winning the trophy in the host country would be a huge smack in the face.

Go to India, play decent cricket and claim the win: Shahid Afridi

According to Samaa TV, Afridi said, "I don't understand why they (PCB) are so adamant and keep saying that we won't go to India. They need to simplify the situation and understand that an international cricket tournament is happening - take it rather positively; go and play. Tell your boys to get the trophy; the whole nation stands behind you. It'll not only be a big win for us but a tight slap on the face of BCCI."

"Go to India, play decent cricket and claim the win. This is it; we have only this option resorted to ourselves. We are supposed to go there, land back with the World Cup and give them a steer clear message that we can go anywhere and bag the victory," he further added.

Notably, because of political tensions between the two countries, India has not visited Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup. While the archrivals haven't played a Test match since 2007, Pakistan last toured India for a bilateral series in 2012.