ICC’s position on India-Pakistan cricket barrier is compromised: Ramiz Raja

Pakistan Cricket Board’s chairman Ramiz Raja has claimed the International Cricket Council is yet to get involved into the saga around the India-Pakistan barrier on account of the BCCI’s contribution to the international body.

India and Pakistan haven’t played any bilateral series since 2012 due to political issues between the countries. However, the two nations have still been playing against each other in ICC events, which have led to tremendous viewership. 

Notably, Pakistan have been named the hosts for 2023 Asia Cup but the BCCI secretary and ACC President Jay Shah clarified that India won't be travelling to Pakistan for the tournament. Later, the PCB responded to by stating that if they are not alllowed to host the Asia Cup next year, they will boycott the ODI World Cup in 2023 if India.  

Speaking on the issue, Raja has made a bold statement about the possible solution regarding the India-Pakistan barrier. 

Don't think it's going to change, need commitment from the cricketing boards: Ramiz Raja 

Raja, who had been present in the second Multan Test between Pakistan and England, noted that India supporting the majority of ICC’s wealth has stopped the international council from taking a stand on the issue. He further added that the cricketing fraternity need to work with commitment to solve the issue.

“They are circumspect and not forthcoming because India produces the entire ICC wealth, and so their position, unfortunately, is compromised as a result, I don't think it's going to change unless we have a resolve and commitment in every cricket board and our cricket fraternity works towards making it happen,” Raja mentioned in an interview with the National. 

Meanwhile, India and Pakistan last played in the group stages of the recently concluded T20 World Cup and the match went right down into the wire to decide the winner on the last ball.