Former Pakistani cricketer Moin Khan has said that the Green Brigade should not visit India for the upcoming ODI World Cup if the neighbouring nation refrains from playing the Asia Cup in Pakistan.
Interacting with journalists, the former wicket-keeper suggested the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to fight its case strongly to host the complete Asia Cup in Pakistan this year.
“India cannot impose its will on other cricket boards by extortion of money. Cricket should be played, and for this, there should be a discussion among the boards of India and Pakistan,” he said.
Khan stressed on the need for resolving the matter via talks between the two boards.
“If India do not come to Pakistan to play the Asia Cup, then Pakistan should not go either for the World Cup. I think Pakistan Cricket Board should oppose this,” added he.
Khan, the cricketer-turned-coach, also emphasised playing at a neutral venue if India do so.
“If India play the Asia Cup at a neutral venue, Pakistan’s matches in World Cup should also be held at a neutral venue,” he expressed.
Earlier in October last year, the PCB officials had hinted they may pull out of next year’s World Cup in India, a day after the BCCI had said they would not send a team to the Asia Cup 2023 in Pakistan.
Indian cricket board secretary Jay Shah had said that India “can’t” send a team to Pakistan, adding the tournament would be moved to a neutral venue.
As of now, the deadlock is still there between the two boards with several options coming up to save the Asian and world events. Reports suggests that India is likely to play their matches during Asia Cup 2023 at a neutral venue for which UAE or Oman could be the possible place.