ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi has criticized the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for allegedly making excuses regarding their participation in the upcoming Asia Cup matches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Reports suggest that Bangladeshi players are reluctant to play in the UAE due to concerns about the scorching September weather.
Afridi’s comments come in the wake of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refusing to send its team to Pakistan for the 2023 Asia Cup. In an effort to find a resolution, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) proposed a hybrid model for the tournament, dividing it into two phases. The initial phase would be hosted in Pakistan, excluding India, while the second phase would take place in the UAE.
Addressing the reported concerns over the weather, Afridi emphasized that professional cricketers should not base their decision to play solely on weather conditions. He recalled his experiences of playing matches at Sharjah in scorching heat and highlighted that such challenges also test a player’s fitness level.
“If you want to make an excuse, then you can come up with anything, like it is too hot in the UAE. I think these are excuses,” Afridi stated during an interview on a local TV channel.
Conflict Over Asia Cup Venue
Meanwhile, according to an Indian media report, Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary and chairman of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), has informed other member nations that they are not accepting the PCB’s suggested hybrid model. Shah proposed that the tournament be held at a single venue, specifically Sri Lanka. It has been reported that all other participating nations have agreed to play in Sri Lanka.
During the next executive board meeting of the ACC, Pakistan will be informed of the unanimous decision made by the other nations. The PCB, as the designated hosts, will have to either comply and play in Sri Lanka or withdraw. In the latter case, the tournament will feature India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, with the inclusion of a fifth team yet to be decided.
The situation surrounding the Asia Cup remains fluid, with stakeholders working towards finding a mutually agreeable solution. As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the final decision, fans hope that the tournament will proceed smoothly, showcasing top-quality cricket from the participating teams.
