Veteran batsman Javed Miandad has once again spewed venom against India, saying that Pakistan should not go to the neighboring country for this year’s ICC (International Cricket Council) World Cup, including other matches, until the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) does not agree to send its team to their country first.
According to the draft schedule of the ODI World Cup prepared by the ICC, Pakistan is scheduled to take on India in the much-anticipated encounter on October 15 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. However, 66-year-old former Pakistan captain Miandad believes that now it is India’s turn to tour Pakistan.
Miandad said, “Pakistan went to India in 2012 and even in 2016 and now it is the turn of Indians to come here.” Not even the World Cup. We are always ready to play with them (India) but they never respond in the same way.
Miandad said, “Pakistan cricket is big… We are still producing quality players. So I don’t think it makes any difference to us if we don’t go to India.
India last toured Pakistan in 2008 for the 50-over Asia Cup. Since then bilateral cricket relations have been suspended due to geopolitical tensions between the two countries. Miandad believes that sports should not be mixed with politics.
He said, “I have always said that one cannot choose one’s neighbor so it is better to cooperate with each other. I have always said that cricket is a game that brings people closer and can remove misunderstandings and grievances between countries.
Miandad’s reaction came at a time when Pakistan is being forced to host the upcoming Asia Cup under a ‘hybrid model’ with India playing all its matches in Sri Lanka. Miandad, who has been a vocal critic of India, is not happy with the decision.
He said, “It was believed that they will not send their team to Pakistan for Asia Cup even once, so now the time has come that we also take a tough stand.”
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