ISLAMABAD: Zaka Ashraf, the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee, has suggested relocating the remaining matches of the Asia Cup 2023 to Pakistan following heavy rains in Sri Lanka. The proposal comes in response to the rain-induced washout of the Pakistan-India match in Sri Lanka.
Zaka Ashraf took the initiative to contact the Chairman of the Asian Cricket Council and Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Jay Shah, via telephone to discuss the impact of the rain on the tournament in Sri Lanka.
Concerned about the possibility of more rainfall in Sri Lanka and its potential to disrupt a significant cricket tournament, Ashraf recommended that the remaining Asia Cup matches be held in Pakistan. He further suggested that Pakistan and India matches could take place in Dubai.
During the conversation, Ashraf conveyed his belief that shifting the matches to Pakistan would help safeguard the tournament against weather-related interruptions.
BCCI to Consider PCB Chief’s Proposal
In response, Secretary of the BCCI, Jay Shah, expressed the BCCI’s willingness to consider the proposal, signaling the importance of finding a solution to ensure the smooth progression of the Asia Cup amid challenging weather conditions in Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile, a four-member delegation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) arrived in Lahore on Monday for an official two-day visit. The delegation, led by BCCI President Roger Binny and Vice-President Rajiv Shukla, entered the city via the Wagah border crossing, marking a significant moment in cricket diplomacy between the two neighboring nations.
During their visit, the esteemed guests will attend two crucial matches of the Asia Cup 2023. On September 5, they will witness the Sri Lanka-Afghanistan fixture, followed by a Super 4s match scheduled for September 6.
Chairman PCB Management Committee Mr Zaka Ashraf welcomes the BCCI delegation led by BCCI President Roger Binny and Vice-President Rajiv Shukla in Lahore. pic.twitter.com/cUzu0jt5x4
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 4, 2023
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) extended a warm welcome to the BCCI delegation, as evidenced by the shared photos on the social media platform ‘X.’ The post featured a caption stating, “Chairman PCB Management Committee Zaka Ashraf welcomes the BCCI delegation led by BCCI President Roger Binny and Vice-President Rajiv Shukla in Lahore.”
Ahead of their visit, BCCI officials emphasized that their primary purpose was to engage in cricket-related activities during their stay in Pakistan. They underscored that there would be no discussions on political matters, emphasizing a shared commitment to promoting the sport of cricket and fostering cordial relations between the cricketing communities of both countries.
