Former cricket captain Javed Miandad has once again expressed his strong disapproval of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for their refusal to tour Pakistan for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023. Miandad, known for his criticism of India’s reluctance to play cricket in Pakistan, did not hold back as he voiced his frustration after the Asia Cricket Council (ACC) approved the ‘hybrid model,’ which would see India playing all their matches in Sri Lanka. This decision has not sat well with Miandad, who insists that Pakistan should boycott visiting India unless the Indian cricket team reciprocates by touring Pakistan for a series.
“Pakistan has visited India in 2012 and even in 2016, and now it is India’s turn to come here. If it were up to me, I would never go to India to play any match, not even the World Cup. We are always ready to play against them (India), but they never respond in the same manner. Pakistan cricket is bigger… we continue to produce quality players. India can go to hell. I don’t think it would make any difference to us even if we don’t go to India,” Miandad expressed his frustration to reporters.
The India-Pakistan cricket saga extends beyond the Asia Cup. There has been much controversy surrounding Pakistan’s participation in the World Cup 2023, scheduled to be held in India. Although the International Cricket Council (ICC) is yet to announce the official schedule, the highly anticipated India-Pakistan match is expected to take place on October 15 at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, generating global attention. Furthermore, the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) analytical team has advised against playing their World Cup match against Afghanistan on Chennai’s spin-friendly surface, according to recent reports.
Miandad, however, believes that Pakistan should take a firm stance and refuse to participate unless the BCCI first sends its team to Pakistan. It is worth noting that India last toured Pakistan for a series in 2008 during the Asia Cup. Relations between the two nations soured following the 26/11 incident. The last bilateral series between the two countries occurred in 2012-2013 when Pakistan toured India for a three-match ODI series in December-January.
“I have always believed that one cannot choose their neighbors, so it is better to live in cooperation with each other. Cricket, as a sport, brings people closer and can resolve misunderstandings and grievances between countries. It was expected that India would not send their team to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, so it is time for us to take a strong stand as well,” Miandad emphasized the importance of cooperation.