India not travelling to Pakistan for Asia Cup 2023 is a repercussion of the latter’s evil act

The President of the Asian Cricket Council has confirmed that Asia Cup 2023 will not take place in Pakistan; instead, the continental tournament will be shifted to a neutral venue. Jay Shah, secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, said on Tuesday that the tournament would be held at neutral venues.

“I am saying this as ACC president. The Government of India takes the call on whether players will travel to a particular country or not. India can’t go to Pakistan, and they can’t come here. In the past, Asia Cup has been played at a neutral venue,” Jay Shah said after a BCCI annual general meeting.

Pakistan has expressed sharp reaction to Shah’s comment and claimed it was against the ‘philosophy and spirit for which the Asian Cricket Council was formed in September 1983.’ However, the Government of India’s decision to end the bilateral contest with Pakistan came on the back of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and since then, both countries have not engaged in any bilateral contest, apart from ICC events.

In a candid conversation with The Quotes, Mr Arun Bhagat, former IB chief, backed the decision of the Indian government, claiming that its repercussion Pakistan’s sinful act of terror. “Pakistan is a regular offender of human rights and international ties. They have constantly tried to hurt the dignity of India with their numerous terror acts. When we can stop all sorts of ties with them, then why not sports? It is no different,” Mr Bhagat told The Quotes.

While Pakistan Cricket Board recently cited successful tours of teams like the West Indies, Australia and England, India’s former chief of the Intelligence Bureau said that there is a massive difference in Pakistan’s approach towards those countries and with India.

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“Pakistan has repeatedly broken India’s trust, and several stakeholders in the neighbourhood are working day and night, findings ways to hurt India. They will never change. The 2009 attack on the Sri Lanka national cricket team was a testimony to their failed administration and capabilities.”

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“The Government of India has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against terror, and the decision to not travel to Pakistan is a part of it,” said Mr Bhagat. In conclusion, the retired officer refuted PCB’s threat of not touring India for the World Cup 2023 by stating that the decision will have a ‘zero’ effect on India’s stature.

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