Tag: Jay Shah

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) approved a budget of USD 70 million to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to host the Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to take place in February-March, Times of India reported Thursday.

According to the report, ICC’s financial and commercial committee, chaired by the Board of Control for Cricket India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah made the decision after a thorough scrutiny of the budget, jointly prepared and submitted by the PCB and the ICC Finance Department, Press Trust of India (PTI) quoted a source close to the apex cricketing body saying.

“The approximate budget is around USD 70 million and only USD 70 million and only USD 4.5 million has been allocated as additional expenses,” the source added.

Meanwhile, the allocation of the additional budget sparked speculations that it was granted to host some matches at some other venue besides Pakistan if India do not travel to their neighbouring country.

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For the unversed, the Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February to March, however, India’s participation in the tournament is uncertain as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) seeks the government’s approval to visit the country.

Reports emerged in Indian media, citing a source from the BCCI, that the Indian team will not be visiting Pakistan for the upcoming ICC event.

Reports further claimed that the board is planning to formally propose Dubai and Sri Lanka as potential venues for hosting India’s matches.

Remember, India refused to travel to Pakistan to participate in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2023. As a result, the continental event was held in a hybrid model with Sri Lanka stepping in as a co-host.

It is worth noting that India has not travelled to Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2008 due to the long-standing political tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

In contrast, Pakistan has made four trips to India in the last 16 years. Their most recent visit was last year for the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023.

READ: ICC approves budget for Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan

Jay Shah, secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) revealed that Rohit Sharma will lead India in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and World Test Championship after he ended his T20I career with a T20 World Cup triumph.

The top-order batter led India to their second T20 World Cup title last month, ending the cricket-mad nation’s global trophy drought since the 2013 Champions Trophy.

Rohit Sharma, along with star batter Virat Kohli, and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja announced their retirement from T20I cricket after the win over South Africa in the final in Barbados.

It was also the last match for outgoing coach Rahul Dravid.

“After this victory, the next stage is the 2025 WTC (World Test Championship) final and the Champions Trophy,” Jay Shah said in a video message.

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“I am truly confident that we will win both the tournaments under the leadership of Rohit Sharma.”

Jay Shah praised the trio of veteran players, as well as Dravid. “This was our third final in the last one year,” Shah said, referring to the ODI World Cup and the World Test Championship.

The ODI Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held in February and March 2025 in Pakistan, while the World Test Championship cycle will end in June 2025 with the final at Lord’s in London.

India have twice finished runners-up in the Test championship, losing the final to Australia last year. Moreover, they also lost the ODI World Cup final to Australia at home in 2023.

Rohit Sharma took over the captaincy of the white-ball team in 2021 and became the all-format leader a year later.

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Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Jay Shah revealed the anticipated Asia Cup schedule on Twitter, minutes before the schedule and trophy unveiling ceremony called by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Taking to Twitter, Shah unveiled the schedule of the continental event, scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan.

“I am happy to announce the schedule for the highly anticipated Men’s ODI [Asia Cup 2023], a symbol of unity and togetherness binding diverse nations together! Let’s join hands in the celebration of cricketing excellence and cherish the bonds that connect us all,” wrote Shah.

I am happy to announce the schedule for the highly anticipated Men's ODI #AsiaCup2023, a symbol of unity and togetherness binding diverse nations together! Let's join hands in the celebration of cricketing excellence and cherish the bonds that connect us all. @ACCMedia1 pic.twitter.com/9uPgx6intP

— Jay Shah (@JayShah) July 19, 2023

It is worth mentioning that Shah’s tweet came just around half an hour prior to PCB chair Zaka Ashraf’s press conference to announce the schedule of the tournament, followed by a trophy unveiling ceremony.

As per the schedule shared by Shah, this year’s Asia Cup will kick off with host Pakistan taking on Nepal in the curtain raiser on August 30 in Multan.

Pakistan will host a total of four matches including a Super 4s fixture.

India’s group stage matches including the anticipated clash against Pakistan, scheduled on September 2, will be held in Kandy while the rest of the Super 4s matches, including the final will be played in Colombo.

The arch-rivals Pakistan and India will come face to face again on September 10 in Colombo if both manage to qualify for the Super 4s.

Like the previous edition, the Asia Cup schedule holds a possibility of treating the cricket fans with a maximum of three Pakistan-India matches in a single tournament if both arch-rivals, in a first, simultaneously qualify for the final.

The upcoming edition of the Asia Cup features six teams, divided into two groups, the top two teams from each group will then qualify for the Super 4s. The continental event will run from August 31 to September 17.

Hosts Pakistan are placed in the same group as arch-rivals India and Nepal while the other group includes defending champions and co-hosts Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

The Asia Cup 2023 will be played in the ODI format and will serve as an opportunity for the Asian teams to bolster their preparations for the upcoming ICC Men’s World Cup.

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DURBAN: The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) management committee Zaka Ashraf invited Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah to watch Asia Cup matches in Pakistan, ARY News reported.

As per details, the PCB Management Committee chairman met the BCCI secretary Jay Shah in Durban South Africa on the sidelines of the CEC meeting of the International Cricket Council (ICC)’s annual session in Durban, South Africa and both agreed to continue meetings and strengthen the cricketing relations.

Sources claimed that BCCI Secretary accepted Ashraf’s invitation to watch Asia Cup matches in Pakistan before also extending an invitation to the PCB head for ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 in India.

Ashraf, in a bid to strengthen the cricketing ties between two neighbouring countries, also accepted the invitation.

Zaka Ashraf told the BCCI secretary that the people of Pakistan are famous for their hospitality and they know how to value their guests. This is a new beginning and the meetings will continue, he added.

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC), last month, accepted the hybrid model proposed by the PCB and confirmed the hosts and schedule of the Asia Cup 2023.

“We are delighted to announce that the Asia Cup 2023 will be held from 31st August to 17th September 2023 and will see the elite teams from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Nepal, compete in a total of 13 exciting ODI matches,” the ACC said in a statement.

The multi-national tournament will be hosted in a hybrid model with four matches being held in Pakistan, and the remaining nine matches being played in Sri Lanka despite massive opposition by the BCCI.

The upcoming edition of the Asia Cup features six teams, divided into two groups, the top two teams from each group will then qualify for the Super 4s.

Hosts Pakistan are placed in the same group as arch-rivals India and Nepal while the other group includes defending champions and joint-host Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

The Asia Cup 2023 will be played in the ODI format and will serve as an opportunity for the Asian teams to bolster their preparations for the upcoming ICC Men’s World Cup.

READ: Dambulla to host Pakistan vs India clash as Asia Cup schedule ‘finalised’

LAHORE: The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) management committee Najam Sethi on Saturday, revealed that he will be meeting Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah in the ICC Board Meeting to discuss the deadlock about this year’s Asia Cup and World Cup participation.

Sethi interacted with the media here ahead of the closing ceremony of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season eight and provided the latest update regarding the long-running conflict between PCB and BCCI.

“Tonight after the award distribution ceremony, I am going to Dubai for ICC Board Meetings which will start tomorrow morning which is about Asia Cup, World Cup and Champions Trophy,” shared Sethi.

“I have taken the official stance and some things will be done on negotiations there. So, for now, I can’t comment further regarding this matter as I want to be aware of all the options there” he added.

Sethi then further disclosed that the legal opinion regarding Pakistan’s stance on the conflict has also been noted. Whereas, the PCB officials have several formal and informal meetings scheduled with ICC officials, BCCI secretary Jay Shah and ACC senior members.

“Our meetings are scheduled there with ICC officials. Some are formal and some informal. We have a formal and informal meeting with Jay Shah as well,” shared Sethi.

“I had a discussion with some of the senior ACC members and I made them aware of my reservations and the issues we are facing. So, by the will of Allah, we will take up the issues and try to find honourable and good solutions,” he concluded.

Notably, the upcoming edition of the Asia Cup and Pakistan’s participation in the Men’s ODI World Cup has been in jeopardy after BCCI refused to tour Pakistan for the aforementioned tournament on political grounds.

The BCCI has maintained their stance of not touring Pakistan for the Asia Cup, while the PCB is adamant that if they do not, then Pakistan might not travel to India for the World Cup in October-November.

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KARACHI: The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) management committee Najam Sethi slammed Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Jay Shah for unilaterally announcing the calendar of Asia Cup 2022/23.

The Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) secretary who is also the president of ACC on Thursday came with the announcement regarding the pathway structure and cricket calendars for 2023 and 2024 for upcoming Asia Cups.

Presenting the @ACCMedia1 pathway structure & cricket calendars for 2023 & 2024! This signals our unparalleled efforts & passion to take this game to new heights. With cricketers across countries gearing up for spectacular performances, it promises to be a good time for cricket! pic.twitter.com/atzBO4XjIn

— Jay Shah (@JayShah) January 5, 2023

Meanwhile, PCB management committee chairman Sethi was not pleased by the announcement from ACC President Shah and took a dig at him for unilaterally announcing the details.

Taking to Twitter, Sethi mentioned Shah and tauntingly thanked the latter for unilaterally announcing the Asia Cup structure and calendar, especially for Asia Cup 2023 for which Pakistan is the host while also asking him to present the structure and calendar of the upcoming eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

“Thank you [Jay Shah] for unilaterally presenting [Asia Cup] structure & calendars 2023-24 especially relating to Asia Cup 2023 for which [Pakistan] is the event host,” Sethi wrote on Twitter.

“While you are at it, you might as well present structure & calendar of our PSL 2023! A swift response will be appreciated,” he added.

Thank you @JayShah for unilaterally presenting @ACCMedia1 structure & calendars 2023-24 especially relating to Asia Cup 2023 for which 🇵🇰 is the event host. While you are at it, you might as well present structure & calendar of our PSL 2023! A swift response will be appreciated. https://t.co/UdW2GekAfR

— Najam Sethi (@najamsethi) January 5, 2023

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan got the hosting rights of the Asia Cup 2023 amid the Executive Board meeting of the ACC in October last year.

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LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finally responded to the statement of Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Jay Shah’s statement following the 91st BCCI Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the cricket board expressed surprise and disappointment over Shah’s remarks regarding hosting next year’s Asia Cup at a neutral venue.

“The PCB has noted with surprise and disappointment of yesterday’s comments made by the ACC President Mr Jay Shah with regards to shifting of next year’s Asia Cup to a neutral venue. The comments were made without any discussion or consultation with the Board of the Asian Cricket Council or the Pakistan Cricket Board (event host) and without any thoughts towards their long-term consequences and implications,” the statement read.

The PCB further termed Shah’s statement unilateral and against the philosophy and spirit for which the Asian Cricket Council was formed in September 1983.

“After having presided over the ACC meeting during which Pakistan was awarded the ACC Asia Cup with an overwhelming support and response from the ACC Board Members, Mr Shah’s statement of shifting of the ACC Asia Cup has clearly been made unilaterally. This is contrary to the philosophy and spirit for which the Asian Cricket Council was formed in September 1983 – a united Asian cricket body to safeguard the interests of its Members and organise, develop, and promote the game of cricket in Asia,” PCB stated.

The PCB also bluntly warned that shifting of venue may result in splitting Asian and international cricketing communities, and can impact Pakistan’s visit to India.

“The overall impact of such statements has the potential to split the Asian and international cricketing communities and can impact Pakistan’s visit to India for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 and future ICC Events in India in the 2024-2031 cycle.

“The PCB has to date not received any official communication or clarification from the ACC on the statement of the ACC President. As such, the PCB has now requested the Asian Cricket Council to convene an emergency meeting of its Board as soon as practically possible to discuss this important and sensitive matter,” the statement concluded.

It is pertinent to mention that following the 91st BCCI Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday, Shah, in his statement, announced that the Indian cricket team will not travel to Pakistan for Asia Cup 2023, while also hinting to host the continental event at a neutral venue.