Team India to travel Pakistan for Asia Cup 2023? Jay Shah responds!

Currently, team India are preparing for the 20-20 World Cup 2022 in Australia. However, after this mega event,  the next major tournament will be the 50-over format World Cup in India in 2023. But, before that, Pakistan will host Asia Cup 2023.  So, fans were eagerly waiting on the Indian Cricket Board’s decision for sending the team to Pakistan.

There were several reports that team India might go to Pakistan for that tournament next year. But, on 18 October 2022, the Indian Cricket Board held the annual general meeting. There, the secretary of the Board, Jay Shah shared the decision regarding that.

“We have decided that we will not travel to Pakistan." - Jay Shah on sending team India to Pakistan

Speaking about India’s chances to travel to Pakistan, an official of the Board opened up earlier. He said: "It will be subject to the clearance of the Government of India as always." However, there is an option to shift the tournament to UAE.”

But. now, Jay Shah said: "Neutral venue for Asia Cup is not unprecedented and we have decided that we will not travel to Pakistan. I have decided that we will play at a neutral venue." As per the FTP schedule, the 2023 Asia Cup is going to happen on September 1, 2023, in Pakistan. A total of 13 matches will happen. Since 2008, India and Pakistan have not played any matches on each other's home grounds for political reasons. 

Initially, the Indian board opened the chance to send their team to Pakistan. But, now Jay Shah has dismissed any chances of that. Meanwhile, the last edition of the Asia Cup happened in UAE as it got shifted from Sri Lanka due to their crisis. On the other hand, former Indian cricketer, Roger Binny was also get selected as the new Board president. Team India will take on arch-rivals Pakistan on 23 October 2022 in Melbourne. But, this huge decision before such a high-voltage clash will make an impact on the current situation between the two boards.