India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has laughed off Pakistan’s threat of not visiting India for the 2023 World Cup if the Men in Blue do not visit their country for the Asia Cup.
Last year, Pakistan were given the hosting rights for this year’s Asia Cup by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). However, recents event indicate that the tournament is unlikely to be played in the country.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has once again made their stand clear on the Indian team not travelling to Pakistan. The BCCI conveyed their decision at the ACC executive board meeting held in Bahrain last week. The Indian board has stated that Team India won’t visit Pakistan because it won’t get ‘clearance from the Indian government’.
A final decision on this issue is expected at the next ACC meeting in March. In the meantime, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi has threatened to withdraw from the 50-over World Cup if Team India does not visit the neighbouring country for the Asia Cup 2023.
Ravichandran Ashwin on Pakistan’s threat:
With Pakistan warning India of big consequences, Ravichandran Ashwin believes the neighbours cannot afford to miss the 2023 World Cup in India. The ace spinner pointed out that the recent war of words of between the BCC and the PCB is new.
“Asia Cup was supposed to take place in Pakistan. But India has announced that if it takes place in Pakistan, then we won’t be participating. If you want us to participate, do change the venue,” Ravichandran Ashwin said while speaking on his YouTube channel.
“But we would have seen this happen many times. When we say that we won’t go to their place, they will say that they will also not come to our place. Similarly, Pakistan has said that they will also not come to the World Cup. However, I think it is not possible,” he added.
Speaking further, Ravichandran Ashwin stated that he prefers that the tournament be held in Sri Lanka rather than in the UAE. The last two editions of the Asia Cup have been held in the UAE.
“But the final call might be the Asia Cup moved to Sri Lanka. This is an important lead-up to the 50-over World Cup. Many tournaments have taken place in Dubai, guys. I will also be pleased if it is moved to Sri Lanka,” he said.