Yes, No, Absolutely No — Pakistan and India have played their first match on the sidelines of ICC Annual Meeting last month in Durban. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Zaka Ashraf extended an invitation to BCCI Secretary Jay Shah for Asia Cup 2023 opener. In exchange, Shah said “he’d definitely attend it” and invited him to World Cup 2023. But then, there was a U-turn. Shah and BCCI refused the invitation. PCB chairman has now offered insights into what exactly happened.
In an interview with Express Tribune, Pakistan, Zaka Ashraf admitted that he did in fact invite Jay Shah. And Shah not only accepted the invitation, he also invited him back. PCB and BCCI officials met on the sidelines of the ICC meeting in Durban to discuss Asia Cup 2023 and World Cup 2023 amid tension.
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“I got to know that Jay Shah is the Secretary General of BCCI. When I went to South Africa, I offered to meet and talk. So we sat down for a conversation, and it went smoothly. Jay Shah gave his point of view, and I also in exchange reciprocated equally well. I invited him to the opening of the Asia Cup. He promised that he’d definitely attend it. Conversely, he also invited me to the World Cup matches in India; I assured him of my presence over there,” Ashraf said.
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But moments after Ashraf told the media about the invitation exchange. BCCI’s Arun Dhumal refused. All the talks behind closed doors went up in smoke. BCCI’s representative to the ICC and IPL chairman said there was no such discussion.
“There was no such discussion held. Neither India is travelling to Pakistan nor our secretary will be travelling contrary to reports that have surfaced. Only the schedule was finalised,” Dhumal added.
Soon after that, Jay Shah told News18 that he made no such promises. And in fact, it was deliberately done by Pakistani media.
“I have not agreed to anything. This is just plain miscommunication. Probably done deliberately or mischievously. I’ll not be making any visit,” Shah said.
Zaka Ashraf’s rebuttal
As per the PCB chairman, there was an agreement on the visit. In fact, arrangements were taking place as well. However, India vs Pakistan’s political tussle fell through.
“Everything was almost decided and agreed upon. However, the moment Pakistan media channels broke this news, people from behind the scenes in India said that this is not possible. To top that off, Jay Shah released a statement saying they don’t intend to do so. We also affirmed that whenever they agree, we shall cordially work towards the betterment of the relations. Gradually, we’ll take steps forward and get the final breakthrough,” Zaka Ashraf added.
It should be noted that Jay Shah is the son of Indian Union Home Minister Amit Shah. And even though Jr Shah is the head of Asian Cricket Council (ACC) which is governing body for Asia Cup 2023, he may not end up in Multan or Lahore to avoid any public backlash. Asia Cup begins on August 30 in Multan with India playing in Sri Lanka.
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