While Saeed Anwar and Shahid Afridi have already expressed their disappointment, former Pakistan captain Younis Khan and former wicket keeper batter Kamran Akmal are the most recent members to do so.

Numerous former cricketers have voiced harsh criticism of Jay Shah, secretary of the BCCI and president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), for his recent announcement regarding India’s reservation from travelling to Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023. Many Pakistani athletes who have played international cricket urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to keep its firm stance and not travel to India for the ICC men’s World Cup that will be held next year. Some have even decided not to attend the T20 World Cup match in Melbourne on Sunday.

While Saeed Anwar and Shahid Afridi have already expressed their disappointment, former Pakistan captain Younis Khan and former wicket keeper batter Kamran Akmal are the most recent members to do so.

On ARY News’, popular cricket talk show Har Lamha Purjosh, the pair discussed the subject. They were all in agreement that Pakistan should host the tournament even if India did not participate.

“I think Jay Shah should not have said that but since the bullet has been fired I would ask the PCB to take a firm stance on this issue, just like we did in the past [after New Zealand called off Pakistan’s tour at the eleventh hour] and as you know those teams have begun to tour the country, but if they [BCCI] decide to stick with their decision then it should not matter to us if the Indian team does not participate in Asia Cup and we should consider not travelling to India for the ODI World Cup the following year, nor we should agree to host Asia Cup at a neutral venue,”

said Younis.

Kamran, on the other hand, went a step further and asked for a complete boycott against India, including the upcoming clash at the T20 World Cup on Sunday.

ALSO READ: Sri Lanka call up Rajitha and Bandara to replace injured Chameera and Gunathilaka

“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, 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,”

the former wicket keeper stated

The PCB released an official statement in this regard on Wednesday. 

“The PCB has noted with surprise and disappointment of yesterday’s comments made by the ACC President Mr. Jay Shah with regards to shifting next year’s Asia Cup to a neutral venue. The comments were made without any discussion or consultation with the Board of the Asian Cricket Council or the Pakistan Cricket Board (event host) and without any thoughts towards their long-term consequences and implications,”

it said in a release.

With the T20 World Cup set to start in October this year, many fans and specialists have been left contemplating whether the Pakistan cricket team can pose a strong opposition for the trophy in Australia. The Babar Azam-led side were in resurgent form during the T20 World Cup last year and lost to eventual victors Australia in the semi-finals. Then, at that point, in the current year’s Asia Cup, they collided with a surprising loss against Sri Lanka in the final.

Talking during a tape-ball competition in Karachi, Pakistan legend Younis Khan had a fiery warning for PCB chief Ramiz Raja and Babar Azam and co. Encouraging them not to roll out any changes before the T20 World Cup.

“There is always this hue and cry that the team needs changing. We tried this last time. Now, I think they should not embarrass themselves, all of a sudden changing the team. Our coaches, captain and PCB have to utilise these very players. These are the only players you have, there won’t be any coming in from anywhere else, and this is the best bunch”.

He said

The former cricketer also suggested players to change their approach as per the mood of the match. 

“Cricket is a game of sacrifices (…) when you play for the national team, there is no such thing that I will only play in this style. You have to change your style for your country, for the millions of people watching you, and when this is your thinking, I don’t think there is anything stopping Pakistan”,

he added.

ALSO READ: IN vs AU: IND breaks PAK’s T20I record!

Pakistan are currently facing England in a seven-match T20I series, and tied it 2-2 on Sunday with a win by three runs, in Karachi. A knock of 88 runs off 67 balls to Mohammad Rizwan assisted the hosts with posting 166 for four in 20 overs, with Babar also contributing with a knock of 36 runs off 28 deliveries. Chasing a target of 167 runs, England were bowled out for 163 in 19.2 overs. Haris Rauf and Mohammad Nawaz were in great bowling form, stowing three-wicket hauls respectively.