'Pakistan cricket board can collapse without India'- Ramiz Raja's old video resurfaces amid 2023 Asia Cup venue saga

India's turbulent cricketing relationship with neighbours Pakistan copped another blow on Tuesday after Asian Cricket Council president Jay Shah announced India will not be traveling to Pakistan for next year's Asia Cup. His remarks ruffled quite a lot of feathers in the Pakistani contingent, who are threatening to boycott next year's World Cup in India. However an old video of current PCB chairman Ramiz Raja has resurfaced, where he reckoned that Pakistan cricket could 'collapse' without India's support and influence.

Jay Shah proposed a neutral venue for next year's continental tournament, which was scheduled to take place in Pakistan. Several Pakistani cricketers, along with the PCB, have expressed their disappointment with the BCCI secretary's decision, labeling it as unilateral. While some rumors suggest that the Pakistani board might threaten to pull out of next year's 50-over World Cup in India, an old video of Ramiz Raja suggests otherwise.

Ramiz Raja revealed Pakistan's dependence on ICC and India in an old clip

Raja's remarks quite clearly indicate that PCB are in no position to pull out of major ICC tournaments like the World Cup since their board are dependent on ICC's funding. He also stated that Pakistan could not sustain itself without the influence of India and its business houses, which are ruling the roster in the cricketing fraternity.

"Pakistan Cricket Board runs 50 percent on ICC funds. ICC funding is such that they organise tournaments and they distribute the money among their member boards. And Indian market contributes 90 percent to that ICC funds. So Indian business houses are running Pakistan cricket and if tomorrow the Indian Prime Minister decides he will not allow any funding to Pakistan, this cricket board can collapse," Raja can be heard saying in the video.

It is worth noting that the Indian team last traveled to their arch-rival's soil back in 2006 and were scheduled to travel to the country for the first time during next year's Asia Cup. But the latest developments have not only put a hold on that proposal but have also cast doubt on India's participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy, which will be hosted by Pakistan.