India cannot impose its will on Pakistan: Moin Khan on Asia Cup deadlock

Former Pakistan cricketer, Moin Khan, has shared his thoughts on the ongoing debate between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) regarding the venues for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023 and World Cup 2023. 

During a press conference, Moin stressed that it was important for both boards to come to a mutual agreement and resolve the issue through dialogue. 

ALSO READ: Moin Khan backs Shaheen Afridi as future Pakistan captain

He also emphasized that cricket diplomacy between the two nations was necessary to ensure that the sport continued to be played in a healthy and competitive manner.

“If India does not come to Pakistan to play the Asia Cup, then Pakistan should not go either for the World Cup. I think Pakistan Cricket Board should oppose this,” said Moin.

“If India plays the Asia Cup at a neutral venue, Pakistan’s matches should also be held at a neutral venue,” he added.

Moin Khan advocates for dialogue and cricket diplomacy to resolve deadlock between BCCI and PCB, condemning the use of money as leverage by the Indian board.

“India cannot impose its will on other cricket boards by extortion of money. Cricket should be played, and for this, there should be a discussion in the boards of India and Pakistan,” stated Moin.

“There should be cricket diplomacy between the two countries,” he concluded.

The fate of Pakistan's participation in the 2023 Men's ODI World Cup and the upcoming Asia Cup has been uncertain due to the ongoing dispute between the PCB and the BCCI over venue selection. 

The BCCI's refusal to play in Pakistan for the Asia Cup on political grounds has led to the PCB's insistence that India reciprocate by playing at a neutral venue. 

Despite proposals for a 'hybrid model', the deadlock has yet to be resolved, with the BCCI insisting on shifting the entire Asia Cup to a neutral venue and hosting all World Cup matches in Pakistan.