Renowned Pakistani cricketer Javed Miandad recently criticized the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and called on the Pakistan cricket team to refrain from visiting India for matches, including the ICC World Cup 2023, unless the BCCI agrees to send its team to Pakistan first. The ICC’s draft schedule currently indicates that Pakistan is scheduled to face India in a highly anticipated World Cup match at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on October 15. However, Miandad believes that it is now India’s turn to reciprocate by undertaking a tour of Pakistan.
Miandad, a former captain of the Pakistani cricket team, expressed his frustration, stating, “Pakistan has been to India in 2012 and even in 2016, now it is the turn of the Indians to come here. If I had to make a decision, I would never go to India to play any match, even the World Cup. We are always ready to play them (India), but they never respond in the same manner.”
Highlighting the significance of Pakistan cricket, Miandad asserted, “Pakistan cricket is bigger… we are still producing quality players and pacers. So I don’t think even if we don’t go to India, it will make any difference to us.”
It is worth mentioning that the Indian cricket team last visited Pakistan in 2008 for the 50-over Asia Cup. Since then, bilateral cricket ties between the two nations have been suspended due to long-standing geopolitical tensions.
Miandad emphasized that sports should not be entangled with politics, stating, “I always say one can’t choose its neighbors, so it is better to live by cooperating with each other, and I have always said that sport can bring people closer to each other and can remove misunderstandings and grievances between countries.”
Miandad’s recent criticism stems from Pakistan being forced to host the upcoming Asia Cup in a hybrid model, with India playing all their matches in Sri Lanka. This decision did not sit well with Miandad, who has been a vocal critic of India. He expressed his discontent, stating, “It was on the cards that they would again not send their team to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, so it is time we also take a strong stand now.”
Miandad’s remarks highlight the ongoing challenges in cricketing relations between Pakistan and India, with the former captain advocating for a balanced approach and mutual cooperation between the two nations.