Pakistan threaten to pull out of ODI World Cup if India do not travel for Asia Cup

Pakistan, on Tuesday, threatened to pull out of next year's World Cup in India, reacting strongly to BCCI secretary Jay Shah's statement that y would prefer to play Asia Cup at a neutral venue.

Pakistan is scheduled to host next edition of Asia Cup next year as per Asian Cricket Council's executive board's decision. Incidentally Shah is president of Asian Cricket Council.

After BCCI AGM in Mumbai on Tuesday, Shah in an informal garing of reporters stated that "India will play Asia Cup at a neutral venue." Sources close to PCB chairman Ramiz Raja indicated that one of options that y are mulling after Shah's statement is to pull out of 50-over ICC World Cup in India.

" PCB is w prepared to take hard decisions and play hard ball because it is also aware that ICC and ACC events will have to face commercial liabilities and losses if Pakistan does t play India in se multi-team events," a senior PCB source told PTI on conditions of anymity.

India does play Pakistan at global or continental events but haven't travelled to neighbouring country since 2008 Asia Cup. Pakistan last came to India for a short six-match white ball bilateral series in 2012.

PCB when contacted declined to give an official reaction to Shah's statement.

"We have thing to say at moment but yes we will look at things and take up this matter at appropriate forums like ICC board meeting in Melbourne next month," a spokesperson said.

However it has been learnt that PCB Chairman Raja and or senior officials were very upset with anuncement by Jay Shah that India would t travel to Pakistan next year and h decided to take some hard decisions w.

" PCB officials are surprised at timing of Jay Shah’s statement because re is still nearly a year to go before Asia Cup is held in Pakistan in September 2023," one insider said.

He said PCB h been aware that issue of India travelling to Pakistan for Asia Cup was on BCCI AGM but didn't expect any anuncement or statements on this issue at this time.

" PCB is wondering in what capacity has Jay Shah given statement that ACC will look to relocate Asia Cup to UAE out of Pakistan because hosting rights were awarded by executive board of ACC t President," PCB source said.

PCB could pull out of ACC membership

PCB sources said that Raja would be sending a strong letter to ACC on matter and would be demanding an emergency meeting of ACC board to be convened in Melbourne next month to discuss Shah's statement.

insider also disclosed that PCB h decided to look at several options and would t accept any disruption to its hosting rights.

"One option under consideration will be to pull out of ACC as PCB believes ACC was formed to promote and develop cricket in region and forge unity among member nations. But President of ACC is going to give statements like se, re is use for Pakistan to remain in body," he ded.