In an effort to clarify his earlier remark, in which he implied that India was a “enemy nation,” PCB president Zaka Ashraf claimed that the warm welcome the Pakistan cricket team received upon their arrival in India shows how much the supporters on both sides of the border care about the players.
Pakistan made their first trip to India in seven years on Wednesday, landing in Hyderabad.
The PCB announced an increase in player salary on the same day. Following the announcement, Ashraf said the increased central contracts would provide the players more incentive as they prepare to compete in the World Cup in an “enemy country.”
Zaka Ashraf clarifies statement
The BCCI’s top brass were not pleased with the billionaire banker’s careless remarks, which went viral. On Friday, he clarified his position.
“The excellent reception given to the Pakistan men’s cricket team during their World Cup trip to India, according to Zaka Ashraf, chairman of the PCB Management Committee, proves how much love the people of both countries have for each other’s players,” the PCB said in a statement.
Zaka Ashraf was quick to back away from his earlier remark about the “enemy nation” because he felt it would have more serious repercussions.
“The reception held at the airport in Hyderabad was proof of this devotion. Zaka Ashraf personally commended the Indians for planning such a celebration. He claimed that when India and Pakistan play cricket together, they become traditional rivals rather than foes,” the statement stated.
Due to the strained relations between the two nations, the two teams compete against one another in ICC tournaments and the Asia Cup. However, the players get along well with one another.
At the Hyderabad airport, Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf were thrilled by the reception.
Ashraf is anticipated to attend the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan match on October 14 in Ahmedabad.
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