The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President, Jay Shah, has categorically denied recent reports suggesting that he had accepted an invitation to visit Pakistan following a meeting with Zaka Ashraf, Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Interim Management Committee. The denial comes as preparations for the upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) meetings are underway in South Africa and amidst speculations about Pakistan’s visit to India for the World Cup scheduled from October 5 to November 19.
Jay Shah, who also holds the position of President of the Asian Cricket Council, met with PCB’s Zaka Ashraf on the sidelines of the ICC meetings. The meeting took place against uncertainties regarding Pakistan’s visit to India for the World Cup. Discussions during the meeting were anticipated to shed light on the matter and clarify the situation.
Contrary to reports following the meeting, Jay Shah and the BCCI have firmly denied any agreement or acceptance of an invitation to visit Pakistan. Shah said he had not agreed to anything and regarded the reports as miscommunication, potentially deliberately or mischievously spread. The BCCI echoed the denial, emphasizing that no such discussion occurred during the meeting between Shah and Ashraf.
“I have not agreed to anything. This is just plain miscommunication. Probably done deliberately or mischievously. I’ll not be making any visit,” Shah told News18 CricketNext.
BCCI official Arun Dhumal, who is also the Chairman of the Indian Premier League, clarified that the purpose of the meeting between Jay Shah and Zaka Ashraf was to finalize the schedule of the Asia Cup. The tournament is set to be co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka under a “hybrid model” from August 31 to September 17. Dhumal assured that the Asia Cup schedule was finalized during the meeting and proceeded as planned.
“Neither India is travelling to Pakistan nor our secretary will be travelling contrary to reports that have surfaced,” BCCI official Arun Dhumal told Press Trust of India.
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The recent developments surrounding the alleged invitation and potential visit to Pakistan by Jay Shah have been deemed as misinformation by the BCCI and Shah himself. Both parties have firmly denied any agreement or intention to undertake such a visit. As preparations continue for the World Cup and the upcoming Asia Cup, it is essential to focus on accurate information and official statements from the cricketing authorities involved.
