Owing to the escalating tension between India and Pakistan, both teams haven’t been playing the bilateral series for quite a long time now. For the unversed, the last time Pakistan visited India was back in 2012-13. Since then, the idea to host the bilateral series didn’t emerge, given the ongoing tensions between both nations.

Needless to say, the arch-rivals have been locking horns with each other only during important events such as the ICC and Asia Cup. Moreover, it should also be a neutral venue for both teams, and only then could the fans see the possibility of both teams locking horns with each other.

Meanwhile, BCCI secretary Jay Shah, at the recent AGM clarified that India will not be traveling to Pakistan for the next year’s Asia Cup 2023 tournament. As a result, the continental tournament will be staged at a neutral venue. The former Pakistani cricketers and experts slammed the richest cricket body for this decision.

ALSO READ: Aakash Chopra names the team which can win the T20 World Cup

While many slammed the BCCI for their decision to not visit Pakistan and that the Asia Cup 2023 will be played at a neutral venue, a Pakistani journalist crossed his limits and criticized the BCCI.

A journalist by the name of Syed Sammer Abbas chipped in with a string of tweets. Surprisingly, the BCCI liked one of those distasteful tweets. Pakistani journalist slammed the Indian cricket board’s decision to take away the Asia Cup 2023 hosting rights from their nation. He wrote, “Cowards don’t run away. Keep sports away from politics”. The tweet went viral in no time on social media portals.

Former Pakistan cricketers Kamran Akmal and Younis Khan have shared disappointment after BCCI secretary Jay Shah’s statement on playing the Asia Cup 2023 at a neutral venue. After BCCI’s 91st Annual General Meeting, Shah, who is also serving as the chief of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), said that next year’s continental tournament would be played at a neutral venue. The Asia Cup 2023 was originally scheduled to be played in Pakistan.

ALSO READ: Sunil Gavaskar Feels India Can’t Complain For Preparation Ahead Of T20 World Cup

“I believe Jay Shah’s statement was unexpected, and since he attended the Pakistan-India game during this year’s Asia Cup, he should reserve politics for his opposition and avoid dragging it into sports,” Kamran Akmal said. “Asia Cup should only be hosted in Pakistan and if that does not happen then Pakistan should not play against India at any level, be it ICC events’ matches, Asia Cup matches, or even their match on October 23.”