"Is Ahmedabad Pitch Haunted?": Shahid Afridi Questions Pakistan Cricket Board Over World Cup Stance

17.06.2023 - 07:05 sports.ndtv.com

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) accepted Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)'s proposal of a hybrid model for the Asia Cup. As per ACC's release, Pakistan will host four matches, while the remaining nine games will be held in Sri Lanka.

Despite ACC accepting PCB's proposal, it is not known whether Pakistan will visit India to take part in the World Cup. With India and Pakistan reportedly set to clash in Ahmedabad during the World Cup, the PCB have expressed their reluctance to play at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

During a recent appearance, Afridi, however, questioned PCB over the logic behind their denial to play in Ahmedabad. "Why are they declining to play on Ahmedabad pitches?

Does it hurl fire or is it haunted? Go and play - go, play and win. If these are the foreseen challenges, then the only way to overcome them is through a comprehensive victory," Afridi said on Samaa TV.

cricket India Cricket Team Pakistan Cricket Team Ahmedabad cup Asia Cup India Sri Lanka Pakistan Ahmedabad

In what comes as a shocking development from the world of cricket, the Bangladesh ODI captain has announced his retirement from international cricket. The decision comes just a day after the Bangla Tigers suffered an unexpected loss to Afghanistan in a rain-curtailed encounter. With the ODI World Cup just three months away, Bangladesh would now have to look for a new captain. Tamim was extremely emotional as he announced his retirement in a press conference.

"Dada Playing Mind-games": Ex-Pakistan Star On Sourav Ganguly's Indo-Pak Rivalry Remark

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly was quick to share his take on the India vs Pakistan showdown at the forthcoming ODI World Cup 2023, after the International Cricket Council announced the schedulef or the tournament. Ganguly, downplaying the India vs Pakistan rivalry, said that India's contests with Australia are more interesting. However, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali isn't in agreement with the former BCCI president's opinion, suggesting no contest is bigger than the Indo-Pak game.

"This Is Nonsense": Ex-Pakistan Star Tears Into The Country's Cricket Board Over 2023 World Cup Venue Fuss

Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali has urged the country's not to create unnecessary fuss over the venues of the upcoming ODI World Cup in India. Pakistan are scheduled to take on arch rivals India at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 15. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly expressed its unwillingness to play at the venue. They had also, according to a PTI report, said that they would not want to face Afghanistan in Chennai. However, Basit Ali feels that playing at the world's biggest cricket stadium might actually be beneficial for Pakistan as the pressure will be on the home side instead of them.

Report Reveals Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul's Possible Date Of Return To Action

India will be playing against their World Test Championship final opponents Australia in their opening match of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 on October 8 in Chennai. Before playing in the marquee ICC event, Team India will be featuring in the Asia Cup 2023. The Rohit Sharma-led side has been missing out on the services of their ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah, since September 2022 due to injury but there is a good news that he might make a comeback for Team India in the Asia Cup. Not only him, but also batter KL Rahul, who had sustained a knee injury during IPL 2023, is also likely to play in Asia Cup.

"Cause For Laughter...": Wasim Akram Slams Pakistan Board Over World Cup Stance

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has slammed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over its reluctance to play the ODI World Cup in India. With the schedule of the ODI World Cup officially out, PCB have raised doubts over the participation of the Babar Azam-led side at the showpiece event. India and Pakistan will square off on October 15 in Ahmedabad, but the PCB has denied playing at venue, as per multiple reports. Akram, however, feels that the PCB has made a mockery of itself by commenting on the World Cup venues.

Ex-Pakistan Star Slams Board's 'Stupidity' Over World Cup Venue Changes Request

The Pakistan Cricket Board's request of venue changes for the matches against Afghanistan, Australia and India was rejected by the International Cricket Council as the ODI World Cup 2023 schedule was announced on Tuesday. With their matches being held at the same venue that was proposed in the draft schedule, there are a few in the PCB who aren't entirely happy. Former Pakistan star Kamran Akmal has slammed the board over its 'stupidity', suggesting ICC was right to reject the request for venue changes.