Cricket: PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi takes strong stance on future cricketing ties with India
Pakistan demand equal terms on the discussion about future sporting ties
Cricketing ties between Pakistan and Indian have been strained for well over a decade, but they have been thrust into even greater turmoil since the Pahalgam attacks and subsequent retaliation through Operation Sindoor.
While both nations agreed earlier this year to play each other in matches at neutral venues, such as the upcoming Asia Cup, the Indian Sports Ministry recently reaffirmed its stance that bilateral series between the nations will remain banned amid concerns surrounding the upcoming clash.
Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi made his stance clear on the matter in an interview last week, where he said:
“I think we are very clear that whenever talks are held, it will be on an equal footing with India, and there will be no more begging for negotiations. That time has passed, and whatever will happen will be on the basis of equality.”
India refused to participate in the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan earlier year, to which Naqvi and other PCB officials reached an agreement with the ICC and BCCI for India’s matches to be played in the Middle East.
Pakistan set to begin Asia Cup preparations
The Asia Cup is set to get underway on September 9, with Afghanistan facing Hong Kong, while what could be the match of the year - India vs Pakistan - is scheduled for September 14, and there are sure to be plenty of offers from the best Indian betting sites in the lead up to this blockbuster.
Before that, though, the Shaheens will feature in a one-off T20I Tri-series against the UAE and Afghanistan this weekend. This tournament will serve as their final preparation before the Asia Cup.
Pakistan’s player selection has been a major talking point in recent times, with the likes of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan being dropped from the squad. However, this was something that Naqvi also touched on in his interview, mentioning that the team has to back their youth.
One player who will need to be at his best for the Shaheens to reclaim the Asia Cup is Shaheen Afridi. Pakistan’s bowling coach went on record in the week saying he expects the speedset to “have a BIG impact” in both the upcoming one-off tournament and the Asia Cup.
