If I had to make a decision, I would never go to India to play any match, even World Cup: Javed Miandad

Former Pakistan batter Javed Miandad was recently critical of India and the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India). Miandad opined that Pakistan should opt against travelling to India for the upcoming ODI World Cup that is scheduled in the latter stages of 2023.

He opined that the Pakistan team should not go to India to play matches unless the BCCI agrees to travel to Pakistan. According to the recently released draft schedule by the ICC (International Cricket Council), India and Pakistan will be taking each other on at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 15 in the World Cup. 

However, ahead of the World Cup, Miandad was of the opinion that it was now the Indian team’s turn to travel to Pakistan and compete in a series. India last visited Pakistan in 2008 for the 50-over Asia Cup; since then, the bilateral series has been called off due to political tensions between both nations. Miandad's comments came after Pakistan were forced to host the upcoming Asia Cup in a hybrid model.

"Pakistan has been to India in 2012, and even in 2016, now it is the turn of the Indians to come here, If I had to make a decision I would never go to India to play any match, even the World Cup. We are always ready to play them (India) but they never respond in the same manner," Javed Miandad was quoted as saying by The Times of India.

"Pakistan cricket is bigger...we are still producing quality players, so I don't think even if we don't go to India it will make any difference to us," he added.

I always say one can’t choose neighbours: Miandad

Furthermore, Miandad also touched upon how it is better to live cooperatively with each other and that cricket is a sport that brings people together, and political issues shouldn't play a role in the sport.

"I always say one can’t choose its neighbours, so it is better to live by cooperating with each other. And I have always said cricket is a sport which brings people closer to each other and can remove misunderstandings and grievances between countries," Miandad said.