Amritsar, Punjab: The President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Roger Binny, and Vice-President Rajeev Shukla have arrived at Amritsar airport in Punjab, marking the beginning of their visit to Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023. Their visit coincides with the highly anticipated match between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka scheduled to take place at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday.
Binny and Shukla’s journey to Pakistan was prompted by an invitation extended by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to the members of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and other cricket boards participating in the prestigious Asia Cup. It is worth noting that both cricketing dignitaries have emphasized that their visit is motivated purely by the spirit of cricket and has no political connotations.
Rajeev Shukla reiterated this stance, saying, “This two-day visit is purely from the point of view of cricket, nothing political. A dinner has been hosted, and three teams will be there – Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.”
Roger Binny, who is making his first trip to Pakistan since 2006, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I am looking forward to my visit since we’ve been to Colombo to see matches in Sri Lanka.”
When questioned about the absence of the Indian cricket team from the Asia Cup hosted in Pakistan and the possibility of future tours, Rajeev Shukla emphasized, “We will go by the advice of the government; whatever the government decides, we will follow.”
The 2023 Asia Cup, a marquee cricketing event, is currently being co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka from August 30 to September 17. In the group stage, Pakistan is placed in Group A alongside Nepal and India, while Group B comprises Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka.
Pakistan’s cricket team commenced the tournament by playing the opening match against Nepal on August 30 in Multan. However, the much-anticipated India-Pakistan encounter took place on September 2, resulting in a rain-induced washout in Kandy. Both teams walked away with a point each due to the unfortunate weather conditions.
As India gears up for its final group match against Nepal at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, cricket enthusiasts around the world eagerly await more thrilling matches and memorable moments from the 2023 Asia Cup.