"We won't go there for World Cup," says Ramiz Raja

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has stated that if India withdraws from the Asia Cup 2023, which is scheduled in Pakistan, the PCB will take an aggressive stance against them.

In an interview with a local media channel, Ramiz Raja hinted at Pakistan's possible withdrawal from the 2023 World Cup in India.

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"Who will watch the World Cup in India without Pakistan?" Raja. "We are very clear, if they don't come to play Asia Cup here, we won't go there for World Cup," the PCB chief added. 

Jay Shah, secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and president of the Asia Cricket Council (ACC), stated in October 2018 that India would not travel to Pakistan for the 2023 Asia Cup.

The statement triggered a new debate because it was based on government pressure in India. As the statement was made privately, PCB did not make an official confirmation. However, the cricket board promised to address the issue once the ACC made its official announcement.

PCB chairman Raja is determined that the Asian event will take place in Pakistan. "We haven't talked to BCCI or ACC officially on this matter. We are confident to host the event in Pakistan," he said.

In the meantime, the PCB chairman emphasised the importance of the Pakistan cricket team's performance." As a chairman, I have always wanted our team to win. We beat India, the biggest cricket economy, twice in a year. We played Asia Cup final and T20 World Cup final to show our potential to the world," he said. 

"We evolved in the world of cricket as true performers. Teams like England and Australia came to Pakistan, which shows our success," he concluded.