Zaka Ashraf calls for friendly cricket ties

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee Chairman Zaka Ashraf emphasised the importance of fostering friendly relations among cricket-playing nations.

According to media reports, he made these remarks during a dinner hosted by the PCB at the Punjab Governor House for a delegation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and various teams participating in the Asia Cup.

A four-member delegation from the BCCI, led by President Roger Binny and Vice-President Rajiv Shukla, arrived in Lahore via the Wagah border crossing. The visit was extended as an invitation from Zaka Ashraf with the delegation also including Yudhvir Singh, Secretary of the UP Cricket Association, and Mohammad Akram, Secretary to the Vice-President of the BCCI.

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Meanwhile, the visit by the BCCI delegation marked a significant development since 2008, indicating a warming of relations between the BCCI and the PCB.

BCCI Vice President Rajiv Shukla said that cricket plays a pivotal role in fostering relations between the two countries. He expressed gratitude for Lahore’s warm hospitality and friendly demeanour.

Earlier, while talking to the media, Shukla said that they had received an invitation from the PCB, hosts of the Asia Cup 2023, and considered it an honour to attend the matches. Shukla looked forward to strengthening these ties further, taking back fond memories of their visit to India.

On the other hand, BCCI President Binny, a former fast bowler, shared his previous experiences in Pakistan, dating back to 2005 when he worked with Pakistan’s fast bowlers for the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). He expressed gratitude to the PCB for the invitation to witness the Asia Cup 2023 matches.