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Cricket

'Ab aaya ooth pahad ke niche' - Fans react as PCB propose to host Asia Cup 2023 matches at neutral venue including India

The PCB has proposed that India can play their Asia Cup matches at a neutral venue while Pakistan and other teams play in the host country.

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Najam Sethi (Source - Twitter)

Najam Sethi (Source - Twitter)

The sword is still hanging over the holding of this year's Asia Cup in Pakistan. India is adamant about its policy of not sending its cricket players to Pakistan because of the contentious relations between the two countries. Najam Sethi, the president of the Pakistan Cricket Board, has unveiled a new method for managing the Asia Cup. The PCB has proposed to organise India's matches of the Asia Cup at a neutral venue instead of Pakistan.

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During a press conference, Sethi said that they have decided to play their matches in Pakistan while India will play its matches at a neutral venue. The tournament is expected to take place on September 2 this year. However, the schedule and the venue details venue are yet to announce

"We have decided on this hybrid model that Pakistan plays its Asia Cup matches at home and India plays their matches at a neutral venue, and that is our proposal to the Asian Cricket Council," said Sethi, who succeeded former cricketer Ramiz Raja as PCB chairman, during a press conference.

We want to play cricket with India honorably: Najam Sethi

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Sethi said that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's planned visit to the Indian beach resort of Goa for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council meeting will help to ease tensions between the two nations. According to him, Pakistan and India should compete in cricket on an even playing field.

"We have been told that, maybe, the ice will keep on melting. India might think about playing there if this were to occur during the 2025 Champions Trophy, which will be staged in Pakistan. It has been suggested that we travel to India for the World Cup and play the Asia Cup at a neutral site." said Sethi but did not say exactly who has advised them.

"There are no limitations on playing versus India set by our government. However, I can already state that the general consensus is that we want to play cricket with India honorably and that we are not financially dependent on them. Additionally, we are in talks with the ACC." Sethi said.

Here's how fans reacted:

India Pakistan Twitter Reactions