Zaka Ashraf expresses desire for restoration of bilateral cricketing relations between India and Pakistan

Both India and Pakistan only face each other in Asia Cup and ICC events due to the tense relations between the two countries.

Pakistani cricketers arrive for ICC Cricket World Cup at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, in Hyderabad, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023. (PTI Photo)

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Head of the PCB management committee Zaka Ashraf on Friday lauded India for their fantastic reception of the Pakistan cricket team at Hyderabad a couple of days ago when the team arrived to take part in the upcoming ODI World Cup.

As the Babar Azam-led Pakistan arrived at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Wednesday, they were greeted by a rapturous ovation and cheers. It is the first time in seven years that the Men in Green have come India in order to play competitive cricket since the 2016 T20 World Cup.

The fantastic reception of the Pakistan men’s cricket team in India for the World Cup proves how much love the people of both countries have for each other’s players, Ashraf was quoted as saying in a Pakistan Cricket release.

A warm welcome in Hyderabad as we land on Indian shores 👏#WeHaveWeWill | #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/poyWmFYIwK

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 27, 2023

He also reflected how historically whenever the Pakistan men’s cricket team has visited India, they have received a warm and cordial reception, just as Indian teams have been welcomed in Pakistan.

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As per the release, Ashraf also expressed his desire for the restoration of bilateral cricketing relations between the two countries, allowing millions of cricket fans from both nations the opportunity to watch these players perform live. He concluded by expressing his hope that the Indian cricket team would also visit Pakistan soon, enabling Pakistan to reciprocate the warmth and love shown by India to the Pakistan cricket team.

Both India and Pakistan only face each other in Asia Cup and ICC events due to the tense relations between the two countries.

Pakistan will play their opening warm-up game against New Zealand on September 29 before taking on Australia on October 3. They open their tournament campaign against the Netherlands before battling with Sri Lanka on October 10.