Shoaib Akhtar, former Pakistan bowler, reproached BCCI, alleging that the Indian cricket board played a role in the ICC postponing the T20 World Cup later this year to make room for the Indian Premier League (IPL). Akhtar also felt that the Asia Cup could have taken place.
“Asia Cup could have definitely happened, it would have been a great chance for India and Pakistan to play against each other. There are many reasons behind this. I don’t want to get into that,” Akhtar said while speaking to Geo Cricket on YouTube.
“T20 World Cup could have also happened, but I had already said earlier that they won’t let it happen. IPL should not be damaged, let the World Cup go to hell,” Akhtar said.
The postponement of the men’s T20 World Cup in Australia — from October 18 to November 15 — due to COVID-19 pandemic, has paved the way for IPL to take place this year. The BCCI is planning to stage the tournament in UAE.
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) also officially announced earlier in the month that the 2020 Asia Cup has been cancelled, a day after BCCI President Sourav Ganguly had said the same.