In a notable exchange of words in the cricketing world, former Pakistan cricket captain, Shahid Afridi, has addressed concerns raised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary, Jay Shah, regarding security issues in Pakistan. The backdrop to this conversation is the upcoming Asia Cup 2023, originally planned entirely in Pakistan but later altered to be co-hosted with Sri Lanka for nine matches due to security and economic apprehensions.
Jay Shah expressed reservations from various stakeholders, including full members, media rights holders, and in-stadia rights holders, regarding Pakistan’s ability to host the entire tournament due to perceived security concerns. In response, Shahid Afridi issued a resounding reminder of Pakistan’s recent hosting history.
Afridi took to the platform, formerly known as Twitter, to enumerate the series and events Pakistan successfully hosted over the past six years:
– 2017: ICC World XI & Sri Lanka
– 2018: West Indies
– 2019: West Indies (Women), Bangladesh (Women), & Sri Lanka
– 2020: Bangladesh, Pakistan Super League (PSL), Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), & Zimbabwe
– 2021: West Indies, PSL, South Africa, & West Indies (Women)
– 2022: Australia, PSL, West Indies, Bangladesh Under-19, Ireland (Women), & England (2)
– 2023: New Zealand (2), PSL, Women’s Exhibition Matches, Asia Cup 2023 (Nepal, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, & Bangladesh), & South Africa (Women)
Afridi firmly stated, “Have no doubts Mr. Shah, Pakistan is ready to host @BCCI at the #ICCChampionsTrophy2025.”
As the cricketing world watches with anticipation, the Pakistan cricket team has arrived in Colombo for their crucial second-round clash against India in the Asia Cup Super 4 stage. Pakistan aims to uphold their unbeaten record in the Asia Cup following their victory over Bangladesh. Meanwhile, the Indian team is diligently preparing for their upcoming match against their arch-rivals.
The group stage encounter between India and Pakistan was unfortunately abandoned due to rain, with both teams earning one point each. During that match, the Indian team struggled against Pakistan’s pace attack, particularly Shaheen Afridi, who secured four wickets. India posted a competitive target of 266 runs in 48.5 overs, thanks to Hardik Pandya’s 87 and Ishan Kishan’s 82.
This exchange underscores the passion and anticipation surrounding the Asia Cup 2023 and the future of international cricket in the subcontinent.
