LAHORE: Najam Sethi, Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee, has stated that the PCB maintains a firm stance and will not withdraw from hosting the upcoming Asia Cup.
Speaking in an interview with a private TV channel, Sethi emphasized that the decision taken for the Asia Cup would have implications for the World Cup as well.
Sethi added that if India decides to play its Asia Cup matches in a third country, then Pakistan would expect a similar “hybrid model” for the World Cup. He conveyed to India that Pakistan’s government and people support its position.
Sethi warned that there is a red line that Pakistan will not cross, and regardless of whether India plays the Asia Cup matches in Pakistan or in a third country, Pakistan stands to lose a billion dollars due to the boycott of the event. Furthermore, the ICC has expressed concerns that this could affect relations if Pakistan refuses to go to India for the World Cup. However, India has bluntly stated that the government should provide written evidence if it is forbidding Pakistan to play.
Sethi also criticized the Indian board for failing to provide any concrete evidence of the government’s denial. He expressed confidence in the Pakistan Super League’s ability to earn enough money to help the ICC recover any losses incurred from the boycott.
(Islamabad51-Newsdesk)
