PCB invites Jay Shah to opening match of Asia Cup

Lahore: Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah  received an invitation from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to attend the opening match of the upcoming Asia Cup.

The tournament is set to kick off with Pakistan facing Nepal on August 30 in Multan.

PCB extended similar invitations to officials from other cricket boards in Asia for the said match.

Nonetheless, it appears increasingly unlikely that Jay Shah will be present at the inaugural game. A meeting occurred between Shah and Zaka Ashraf, the head of PCB's management committee, on the sidelines of an ICC meeting in Durban.

During this interaction, Ashraf initially secured Shah's agreement to visit Pakistan for the Asia Cup. However, Shah later reversed his decision, reportedly influenced by external counsel.

The PCB emphasized its stance that while they understand the challenges surrounding the presence of Indian representatives at Asia Cup matches, they have always upheld the principle of keeping politics separate from sports. Like with other cricketing nations, Pakistan's invitation to India was extended as a gesture of goodwill. The final decision on India's participation lies with their authorities.

Addressing the possibility of Zaka Ashraf reciprocating the gesture by visiting India for the World Cup if invited, sources within the PCB indicated that such a decision would be taken in consultation with the Pakistani government when the situation arises.