Afridi lashes out at India’s Jay Shah over the “Asia Cup at neutral location” call, asking why he would say such a thing during the T20 World Cup.

Afridi lashes out at India’s Jay Shah over the “Asia Cup at neutral location” call, asking why he would say such a thing during the T20 World Cup.

Recent comments made by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah on the 2023 Asia Cup have drawn criticism from across the border. At the BCCI annual general meeting on Tuesday in Mumbai, Shah said that Team India won’t be traveling to Pakistan for the Asia Cup next year and instead recommended that it would be hosted at a neutral location only moments after being re-elected for the position of a second term. The remark has drawn condemnation from Pakistan, and there are now rumors that the Pakistani board may decide not to participate in the ODI World Cup, which will be hosted in India the following year.

According to Shah, the Asia Cup will take place in a neutral site in 2023. “This is what I’m saying as ACC President. They cannot come here, and neither can we [India]. Asia Cup matches have previously taken place in a neutral site.”

Shahid Afridi, a former captain of Pakistan, was one of the few players to respond to Shah’s remarks by criticizing both the BCCI secretary and the organization as a whole. Afridi believes he shouldn’t have remarked since the two opposing teams were in Australia exhibiting tremendous teamwork off the field and were due to play each other four days later at the MCG in their T20 World Cup opener.

“Why would BCCI Secy make this comment on the eve of a #T20WorldCup match when wonderful camaraderie between the 2 teams has been formed over the previous 12 months and has produced a good feel-good factor in the 2 countries? Reflects India’s lack of expertise in managing cricket, he said.

Saeed Anwar, a legendary Pakistani batsman, criticized the BCCI’s decision earlier on Tuesday and urged the PCB to ask the ICC to stage the 2023 World Cup in India at a different location.

“What is the @BCCI’s issue when all foreign cricket teams and players travel to Pakistan for the @OfficialPSL? For the World Cup in India the following year, @TheRealPCB should be willing to travel to a neutral location if BCCI is. Cricket, #PAKvIND “Earlier, he tweeted.