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Najam Sethi (Source - Twitter)
The sword is still hanging over the holding of this year's Asia Cup in Pakistan. India is adamant about its policy of not sending its cricket players to Pakistan because of the contentious relations between the two countries. Najam Sethi, the president of the Pakistan Cricket Board, has unveiled a new method for managing the Asia Cup. The PCB has proposed to organise India's matches of the Asia Cup at a neutral venue instead of Pakistan.
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During a press conference, Sethi said that they have decided to play their matches in Pakistan while India will play its matches at a neutral venue. The tournament is expected to take place on September 2 this year. However, the schedule and the venue details venue are yet to announce
"We have decided on this hybrid model that Pakistan plays its Asia Cup matches at home and India plays their matches at a neutral venue, and that is our proposal to the Asian Cricket Council," said Sethi, who succeeded former cricketer Ramiz Raja as PCB chairman, during a press conference.
We want to play cricket with India honorably: Najam Sethi
Sethi said that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's planned visit to the Indian beach resort of Goa for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council meeting will help to ease tensions between the two nations. According to him, Pakistan and India should compete in cricket on an even playing field.
"We have been told that, maybe, the ice will keep on melting. India might think about playing there if this were to occur during the 2025 Champions Trophy, which will be staged in Pakistan. It has been suggested that we travel to India for the World Cup and play the Asia Cup at a neutral site." said Sethi but did not say exactly who has advised them.
"There are no limitations on playing versus India set by our government. However, I can already state that the general consensus is that we want to play cricket with India honorably and that we are not financially dependent on them. Additionally, we are in talks with the ACC." Sethi said.
Here's how fans reacted:
— Mean Material (@MeanMaterial) April 22, 2023
— Radhika Chaudhary (@Radhika8057) April 22, 2023
I feel all the matches will b played at neutral venue
— Tanvi Mehta (@TanviMe84973243) April 22, 2023
Hatt PCB ko itna bhav mat do
— Sarvesh Chillzone (@Sarvesh2456) April 22, 2023
Pakistan should demand the same for WC then.
— Hate Borders (@vadnalls) April 22, 2023
Jinki aukad do kaudi ki ho . Unki kya chalegi. They have to bow down anyway.
— Ronak Patel (@ronak11111com) April 22, 2023
India should pull out of Asia Cup completely. Let Pak and Bangladesh play each other to their heart’s content.
— Devi (@kam_devi) April 22, 2023
Khelna hi nahi h asia cup bhar me jao
— Durga Dhruw (@PremDhruw7) April 22, 2023