'Other ACC members support us but BCCI has big clout’ – PCB chief Najam Sethi on Asia Cup row

The issue regarding the hosting of the 2023 Asia Cup will only be resolved after the second round of the Executive Board Meeting of ACC members, later in March. On Saturday, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi said that support from other members of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) would be important on the issue of hosting the continental championship in Pakistan. 

Sethi also said that India will enjoy big clout in the continental body as they want the tournament to be moved out of Pakistan. Notably, ACC chief and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah had earlier announced that India will not travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup due to security concerns.

While speaking at a press conference ahead of his departure for Dubai to attend the ACC and ICC meetings, Sethi said: “It’s important to see how other members (of ACC) look at our stance on Asia Cup. What they think is important, but in the end we must realise how much clout the BCCI with its financial power carries in world cricket.”

“I have been in contact with senior members of ACC. I have informed them about our problems and we will try and find honourable solutions to the problems,” he added.

Final decision on World Cup participation to be taken after Executive Board Meeting of ACC members: Sethi

Ahead of the much important meetings which are ultimately supposed to determine Pakistan's fate with regard to participation in the upcoming ODI World Cup, the PCB chief said that he had held informal consultations with the foreign office and government officials regarding the issue. 

“I have held informal consultations and taken the government opinion as well and this time we have also taken all legal advice for what stance we can take at these meetings,” he said.

Sethi said that regarding the issue, he will talk to the BCCI secretary and ACC President Jay Shah as well. He also added that the board will take a decision regarding their participation in the 50-over World Cup in India after the meeting.

“I will also be talking to the BCCI secretary and ACC President, Jay Shah. I will see how the meetings go and then come back and after consulting relevant authorities take a final decision on whether we will send our team to India for the World Cup,” he said.

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