'When any country tries to boss, then it becomes a problem'- Ramiz Raja explains his stance on Asia Cup 2023 IND vs PAK controversy
Ramiz Raja was sacked after Pakistan's 3-0 loss to England in the recently concluded Test series.
Days after the 3-0 whitewash endured by team Pakistan against England in the Test series, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided to axe chief Ramiz Raja from the role and reappoint Najam Sethi as chairman. Ramiz, who marked his return to his YouTube channel, issued a clarification over the controversy surrounding the hosting rights of the Asia Cup 2023.
The former World Cup winning cricketer stated that he has great regards for the Indian fans and has received lot of warmth over the years. However, he added that bold decisions need to be made while running the cricket administration as he cited on the controversy the two arch-rivals engaged in over the Asia Cup 2023 hosting rights.
"I have got great regard for Indian fans, I have absolutely enjoyed my stint over the years in India. There is no doubt in this. Cricket breaks barriers, it helps transcend barriers. As a cricketer, as a commentator, I have gotten a lot of love,” said Ramiz as quoted by NDTV.
"Problems start when you run the cricket administration, then you have to take strong decisions. Those strong decisions are judged by the Indian perspective, the fans and the cricket board in Pakistan are looking at their own benefits. They are looking at those calls from their own perspective,” added Ramiz.
Problem started when we got Asia Cup hosting rights, says Ramiz
Ramiz further explained his stance during his stint as the chairman of the apex board and added that ‘no Asia Cup member’ knew about the withdrawal from hosting the event.
"The problem started when we got the Asia Cup hosting rights and then India thought we won't go to Pakistan and because of that Asia Cup will be held in a neutral country, it can't be held in Pakistan. As you know, big international teams weren't coming to Pakistan, and after a long time, Pakistan is getting to host an international tournament. I took my stand based on that," he told.
"It was a done deal that Pakistan will host the Asia Cup. To withdraw the hosting rights without any meeting, without any conversation, or without any committee. No Asia Cup member also knew this. When any country tries to boss, then it becomes a problem. Suddenly, we took a stand against India and that situation won't be painted in India that way. They will obviously say ‘who are they to challenge us?’,” he concluded.
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