India cannot dictate how Pakistan play their cricket: Wasim Akram

Former Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram has reacted strongly to BCCI Secretary Jay Shah's statement about India's participation in the 2023 Asia Cup.

Jay Shah had said that Team India will not travel to Pakistan for the 2023 Asia Cup and would prefer to have the tournament played at a neutral venue.

Akram said that India cannot dictate how Pakistan play their cricket while adding that Shah's comment was 'just not fair'.

The former Pakistan captain said that Shah, who is also the president of the Asian Cricket Council, should have spoken to Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ramiz Raja before making such statements.

Akram also added that after the 10-15 year period where no cricket was played in Pakistan, teams have now finally resumed touring the nation.

"India cannot dictate how Pakistan play their cricket. For 10-15 years, much cricket did not take place in Pakistan and now teams have finally started touring Pakistan. I am all for their difference, I am an ex-cricketer and sportsperson, and I don't know what's happening on the political front. But people-to-people contact is very important,"

Following Jay Shah's statement, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also stated that this decision could also lead to Pakistan pulling out of the 2023 ODI World Cup set to take place in India.

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