BCCI Claims No Pakistani Involvement in the Asia XI vs World XI Match in Bangladesh

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) claims that no Pakistani players will be involved in the Asia XI vs World XI matches to be scheduled in Bangladesh.

The matches are being organised by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to celebrate the birth centenary of the founder of Bangladesh, ‘Bongobondhu’ Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The two T20Is that would be held in Bagladesh, are also recognised by ICC as official.

What has been intriguing since the announcement is the prospect of the Asia XI squad comprising of players from both India and Pakistan. Given the relations between the boards, it looked highly unlikely that both Indian and Pakistani players will be playing in the same squad.

BCCI Joint Secretary Jayesh George has now confirmed that such scenario will not arise saying there won’t be any Pakistan players.

“What we are aware of is that there will be no Pakistan players in the Asia XI,” George was quoted as saying by IANS. “That is what the message is, so, there is no question of both countries coming together or picking one over the other. Sourav Ganguly will decide the five players who will be a part of the Asia XI.”

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PCB recently criticised India-

The relationship between PCB and BCCI has been deteriorating for a while now. Very recently, PCB had words against the Indian government for not encouraging cricket matches in Pakistan.

PCB chief Ehsan Mani had said: “We have proved Pakistan is safe, if someone isn’t coming then they should prove that it’s unsafe. At this time, India is a far greater security risk than Pakistan.

“No one should now doubt security arrangements in Pakistan after successful Sri Lanka Test series. This is a turning point for revival of Test cricket in Pakistan. Media and fans played an important role in portraying positive image of Pakistan worldwide.”