'The debate was started by BCCI in a way, we had to respond' - Ramiz Raja's bold statement on India-Pakistan debate

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ramiz Raja has explained why he had to respond strongly to the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) statement of moving the next year’s Asia Cup to another country. Giving clarification on the same, Ramiz said that it was the BCCI who started it in the first place.

At the same time, Ramiz has also urged the Indian cricket board to keep politics aside and allow the Indian team to travel to Pakistan for Asia Cup 2023. He also highlighted the recent FIFA World Cup 2022 clash between the USA and Iran which went on smoothly on the field despite both countries having political differences for a long time.

 I am just a little disappointed with the ICC: Ramiz Raja

"What happens if the government of Pakistan doesn't allow Pakistan to travel to India because of security issues? It is quite an emotional subject here. The debate was started by BCCI in a way. We had to respond. Test cricket needs India v Pakistan,” said Ramiz while speaking on BBC's Test Match Special.

"You saw what happened in the World Cup - 90,000 fans turned up (at MCG). I am just a little disappointed with the ICC. When the point was put to the FIFA president why is the US playing Iran, Iran has so many issues regarding women's rights, he picked up the football and said this can solve a lot of issues. Through sport we can take care of the tribe mentality. I feel let bat and ball talk," he added.

In response to BCCI secretary Jay Shah’s decision of shifting the Asia Cup 2023 to a different venue, the PCB threatened to pull out of the next year’s ODI World Cup that is scheduled to be held in India. Making their stand clear on the Asia Cup, Ramiz Raja had said that they would boycott the continental tournament next year if the hosting rights were to be taken away from them.