Ramiz Raja, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), spoke up about the controversy that broke out during Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2022 play on Thursday, September 8
KEY HIGHLIGHTS (Pakistan)
- Pakistan and Afghanistan faced each other on September 7
- The match in Sharjah was marred with a few controversies
- Pakistan and Afghanistan will also lock horns in a T20 World Cup warm-up match
Ramiz Raja, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), spoke about the incident that broke out during Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2022 match against Afghanistan on Wednesday night at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday, September 8.
Asif Ali and fast bowler Fareed Ahmad Malik got into a significant war of words during Pakistan’s run chase. The players and umpires had to step in after Asif Ali was spotted charging toward Malik.
After the game resumed, Pakistan defeated Afghanistan by one wicket to secure their berth in the Asia Cup final. Raja, in the meantime, announced that Pakistan cricket would discuss the matter with the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Pakistan and Afghanistan will play each other on October 19 at The Gabba as part of the T20 World Cup 2022 warm-up matches, which the ICC released amid the controversial saga. On October 17, Pakistan will play with England in addition to the Afghans.
“Because this is a practice game and not a tournament, I’m not sure if the schedule may be changed. But following what happened last night, we will undoubtedly express our frustration and anguish to the ICC”, Raja was quoted as saying in a press conference that was captured on camera and posted on the PCBs YouTube page.
Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has already urged the Afghan players and supporters to learn appropriate behavior. The veteran made the remarks after a scuffle that started in the Sharjah stands on Wednesday after the match.
Shafiq Stanikzai, a former CEO of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), said that Asif Ali ought to be banned from the remainder of the Asia Cup.
