The Asia Cup 2023 debate has only just begun. In recent times, Pakistan Cricket Board chief Najam Sethi issued multiple contradictory statements, which ultimately made former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi extremely dissatisfied with the situation. Initially, Pakistan intended to conduct the event on their own soil, but Sethi clarified that they can also host the event on English soil. The current plan is to host it in two distinct countries, but there is little clarity regarding the situation.
The BCCI has explicitly stated that the Indian team will not travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup. In retaliation, Sethi threatened to withdraw from the impending ODI World Cup, but this has not yet occurred. Thus, Sethi’s statements were severely criticized by Afridi, who also inquired about the PCB chairman’s need to conduct interviews everywhere.
Afridi was quoted by Cricket Pakistan as saying, “I sometimes hear that the Asia Cup will be held in England, but I don’t understand why (Najam Sethi) feels the need to give interviews everywhere.”
Let’s proceed with consultation and avoid incessant modification: Afridi
In addition, Shahid Afridi emphasized that Najam Sethi should place his advisors in his confidence and discuss all agendas within the board rather than divulging PCB’s position to the public. Notably, Sethi indicated in a recent interview that the board is considering England as a neutral venue for the Asia Cup. Additionally, the former chief selector clarified that he will support any future decision made by the PCB.
“I mean, Najam Sethi should realize that this is a huge responsibility, and that he is sitting in a powerful position, so he shouldn’t be constantly shifting his stance.
Explain to your advisors or have a conversation with them that we support whatever position you take, but let’s move forward with consultation and avoid continuously changing things,” the former cricketer added.
In the meantime, it remains unclear where the impending Asia Cup will be held. Earlier reports claimed that Sri Lanka and Bangladesh refused to play in the United Arab Emirates due to the extreme temperatures. Sri Lanka remains an option, but the PCB decided not to host in the island nation. Currently, the board is preparing a hybrid model, but it remains to be seen whether or not all participating teams concur. Currently, the situation is extremely ambiguous.
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