Razzaq stated that it's "good for cricket" and promotes the sport while also being a better option for cricketers
08 February, 2023
PHOTO: PCB
Former Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq has weighed in on the recent change of venue for the Asia Cup, which has been shifted from Pakistan to Dubai.
He stated that it's "good for cricket" and promotes the sport while also being a better option for cricketers.
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“It’s good for cricket. And for cricket promotion. India-Pakistan games only happen in ICC tournaments. If Asia Cup has been shifted to Dubai, then it’s the best option. It’s good for cricket and cricketers,” Razzaq said.
Razzaq disagrees with the notion of stopping India from hosting big tournaments and instead suggests that both boards should come to a solution by sitting down and talking.
“It doesn’t happen like this. This has been on for years. It would be great if the two boards sat across the table and chatted. Both boards should solve this issue.”
Meanwhile, former PCB chairman Khaled Mahmood expressed disappointment with India's stance but advised the PCB to start speaking to other members of the ICC.
“The world doesn’t run on ideology and principles; else ICC should show their power and tell India, ‘who are you not to go and play Asia Cup in Pakistan?’ But India has a great influence on ICC.
"If We host Asia Cup without India and without their players, corporate sponsorship will all stop. Big money will stop. And it won’t be a glamorous tournament without them. It would be a weak tournament. We will also lose money.”
He also stressed that the PCB should lobby the issue with other members of the ICC, such as England and Australia, and highlight the fact that India is doing wrong.
“We should lobby the issue with other members – England, Australia. At least, it should be known that things are getting out of control, India is doing wrong, and you are sitting quietly. There is no use sitting and talking just with India. That’s been done. It’s time to go to other members.”
Finally, when the host mentioned the recent visa issue faced by Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja, Mahmood took a shot at Australia.
