Pakistan Cricket Is Bigger, If We Don’t Go To India For 2023 World Cup It’ll Not Make Any Difference To Us: Javed Miandad

Javed Miandad reckons Pakistan shouldn't tour India for the ODI World Cup later this year after India's firm stance against playing in Pakistan led to Asia Cup 2023 being scheduled in a hybrid model.

Virat Kohli of India celebrates after the final run is scored during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan at Melbourne Cricket Ground on October 23, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia.

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While there are certain cricket experts in both India and Pakistan who are very careful with their words while sharing their views on the cricketing relationship between the two neighbouring countries due to the political tension between the two nations, former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad is certainly not one of those. Miandad speaks what is in his mind without caring to think if his comment or remark may spark a controversy. 

And this time around, the ex-Pakistan captain has suggested that the Babar Azam-led Pakistan side shouldn't be touring India for the ODI World Cup later this year. His remark comes after it was confirmed that Asia Cup 2023 will be played in a hybrid model after India's decision to not travel to Pakistan for the continental tournament. India will be playing all their matches in Sri Lanka instead.

"Pakistan has been to India in 2012 and even in 2016 now it is the turn of the Indians to come here," Miandad said as quoted in a PTI report.

"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," he added.

"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 said.

India last toured Pakistan in 2008 for the Asia Cup. Post that bilateral cricket between the two countries stands suspended due to the geo-political tensions between the two countries. Miandad also reckons that sports and politics shouldn't be mixed. 

"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," he said.