The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) on Friday, January 6 responded to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi’s claims that the continental governing body chief Jay Shah “unilaterally” announced the cricket calendar for 2023 and 2024 without even consulting with the stakeholders in Pakistan as well. However, ACC president Jay Shah took to social media on Thursday to announce the fixture which would be organised by the continental body as well. The ACC also confirmed that the Asia Cup would take place in September 2023 despite the stand-off over the venue for the 50-over tournament as well.
However, PCB chairman Najam Sethi had taken a dig at ACC chief Jay Shah with a cheeky tweet later on Thursday, claiming Shah also announce the schedule of Pakistan’s domestic T20 league – Pakistan Super League (PSL) as well. The ACC, in a statement, stated Najam Sethi’s claims baseless and that the Pakistan Cricket Board was also communicated about the calendar of Asian cricket in an email in December as well.
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“It has come to our knowledge that PCB Chairman Mr. Najam Sethi has made a comment on the ACC President unilaterally taking the decision on finalising the calendar and announcing the same. The ACC wants to clarify that it has followed established due process. The calendar was approved by its Development Committee and Finance & Marketing Committee in a meeting held on December 13th, 2022,” the ACC said.
Presenting the @ACCMedia1 pathway structure & cricket calendars for 2023 & 2024! This signals our unparalleled efforts & passion to take this game to new heights. With cricketers across countries gearing up for spectacular performances, it promises to be a good time for cricket! pic.twitter.com/atzBO4XjIn
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) January 5, 2023
“The calendar was then communicated to all the participating members individually, including the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), via an email dated December 22nd, 2022. While responses were received from certain Member Boards, no comments or suggested modifications were received from PCB. In view of the above, Mr. Sethi’s comments on a social media platform are baseless and are vehemently denied by the ACC,” he further added.
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Notably, in an interview with SportsTak, PCB chief Najam Sethi also questioned Team India’s stand on not travelling to Pakistan for the Asia Cup as well. However, Sethi added that Pakistan’s decision on whether or not to travel to India for the World Cup will be taken by the Pakistan government only. However, in the interview, Najam Sethi also shared that ACC had not communicated with the PCB before announcing the schedule as well.
