'We've survived without India now for a good number of years' - Ramiz Raja takes another jibe at BCCI regarding Asia Cup hosting

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ramiz Raja has been leaving no stone unturned in criticizing the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) ever since the Indian cricket board secretary Jay Shah has put Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2023 hosting rights in jeopardy.

Lately, Ramiz has once again dragged the BCCI as a part of a publicity stunt where he has gone on to say that Pakistan cricket has survived without India for so many years. However, the 1992 World Cup winner did make it clear that he wants both countries to host each other again in future.

I've got no idea whether India will come or not: Ramiz Raja

"We don't want to really go there but it's just that the fans want us to react. The fans are absolutely bitter because of what India's narrative has been regarding India-Pakistan,” said Ramiz Raja while speaking to Sky Sports Cricket.

"I think there's a government policy and I've got no idea whether they'll come or not. The Asia Cup would mean a great deal to the fans, it's a multi-nation tournament. We will resist," the cricketer-turned-cricket administrator added.

"We want to go and play, but the fact is it has to be on equal terms. You can't be subservient to a certain cricket board. We've survived without India now for a good number of years. Pakistan have looked at the scales of economy in-house and somehow have survived extremely well,” Ramiz Raja further added.

Tensions between both the cricket boards have soared ever since Jay Shah on his re-appointment as the BCCI secretary at the AGM on October 18 made it crystal clear that the next year’s 50-over Asia Cup will be played at a neutral venue and the Indian team will not be traveling to the neighbouring country for participating in the tournament.

In reply, an irate Ramiz Raja has threatened to pull out of the Asia Cup in case it is shifted to a neutral venue and has also decided to boycott the 2023 ODI World Cup in India as a mark of protest if their demands are not met.