Zaka Ashraf, the Chairman of the PCB Management Committee, allegedly made an indirect reference to India as an "enemy country" on Wednesday evening as the Pakistan cricket team arrived in Hyderabad, India, to participate in the ICC World Cup 2023.

Ashraf made this statement during a media interaction where he was talking about a significant increase in match fees and player remuneration, including three-year central contracts for 25 Pakistani cricketers that would also involve a share of ICC revenue.

"The morale of the players should be up when they go to an enemy country or where the competition is being held. They should go with full support of the nation so that they can perform well," Ashraf said.

The Pakistan team received a warm reception at the airport and their hotel in Hyderabad. However, Ashraf's comment left a bitter impression and upset Indian fans, leading to an outpouring of outrage among them.

Ashraf has a history of making notable verbal gaffes that garner media attention. In July, at the schedule and trophy unveiling ceremony for the 2023 Asia Cup, the PCB chairman mistakenly referred to Shaheen Afridi as one of the world's top ten batsmen.

"If you talk about Shaheen Shah Afridi, his name comes in the top 10 batsmen," Ashraf had said.