‘The problem comes when…’ – Ramiz Raja launches another attack on Indian Cricket Board

Former Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ramiz Raja believes that PCB should voice out against India because Pakistan was finally given the go-ahead to host a significant sporting event. However, the Indian Cricket Board abruptly decided against visiting the nation. The Men in Blue’s previous trip to Pakistan was for the 2008 Asia Cup, and Pakistan’s most recent trip to India was for the 2016 20-20 World Cup.

After Indian Cricket Board Secretary Jay Shah said that Team India will not be visiting Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023 and demanded a change in venue to a neutral host, tensions between the two cricket boards erupted. After Shah’s remarks, Raja also made some inflammatory remarks, claiming that Pakistan would also boycott the following ODI World Cup 2023 if India elected not to play the Asia Cup in Pakistan.

It all started when India decided not to tour Pakistan for the Asia Cup: Ramiz Raja

Raja now stated that the purpose of the game of cricket is to break down barriers, but added that the president of the cricket governing body has to make some bold decisions.

“I have great regard for Indian fans and have absolutely enjoyed my stints in India. Cricket is meant to break barriers and transcend boundaries. The problem comes when you are leading a country or a cricket board. You need to make certain tough decisions. In India, people see these decisions from a different perspective, while in Pakistan, we look at our own benefits,” Raja said on his YouTube channel.

The former Pakistan cricketer discussed the recent dispute between the two cricketing governing bodies and mentioned that he felt compelled to defend the PCB because, after a lengthy search, they had been granted hosting rights for a significant multi-nation tournament, which would be beneficial to the board.

“It all started when India decided not to tour Pakistan for the Asia Cup and were against conducting the tournament here. We all know that there has been a famine in cricket in Pakistan, given that the big teams weren’t keen to travel here for tours. We got a major tournament after a very long wait, and that is why we had to take a stand,” he said.