The top leadership of the BCCI is gearing up to witness a couple of Asia Cup 2023 matches in Pakistan. Commencing on August 30, the much-anticipated tournament will open with a clash between the Babar Azam-led Pakistan team and Nepal in Multan. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed a hybrid module, allocating 4 out of the 13 games to be played in Pakistan, while the rest will be held in Sri Lanka.
According to reports from news agency PTI, BCCI President Roger Binny and Vice-President Rajeev Shukla have accepted the invitation extended by the PCB. The duo is set to be in Lahore from September 4 to 7, during which they will spectate a couple of Asia Cup matches.
All key office-bearers of the BCCI were invited by the PCB, and the President and Vice-President have been granted approval by the Indian board to attend the invitation.
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Sources close to the development revealed, “Binny, Shukla, and Secretary Jay Shah will be in Sri Lanka for the marquee India vs Pakistan clash in Pallekele (Kandy) on September 2. The trio will be back in India on September 3 after which BCCI President and Vice-President will travel through the Wagah border to Lahore.”
Interestingly, both Binny and Shukla, accompanied by their spouses, have been invited to an official dinner hosted by the PCB at Lahore’s Governor’s House on September 4.
Roger Binny & Rajeev Shukla will attend Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka match of Asia Cup in Pakistan. [Dainik Jagran] pic.twitter.com/HRKXD31djI
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 25, 2023
The BCCI representatives are scheduled to witness the Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka encounter on September 5 and Pakistan’s opening Super Four fixture the following day. Notably, Shukla was previously part of the Indian cricket contingent during Sourav Ganguly’s captaincy when the team achieved a historic series victory in 2004.
After careful consideration, the decision was made to organize the Asia Cup across venues in Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
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Bilateral cricketing relations between India and Pakistan have been dormant for a significant period due to strained diplomatic ties between the two nations. The cricketing encounters between the teams are largely confined to ICC and continental events. Pakistan is set to visit India later this year for the ODI World Cup as part of the ongoing cricketing engagements.
