- BCCI President Roger Binny to visit Pakistan for Asia Cup 2023 official dinner.
- Binny’s visit aims to strengthen cricketing ties between India and Pakistan.
- Historic visit follows an official invitation extended by PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf and could have far-reaching diplomatic implications for cricket.
In a significant development for cricket diplomacy, Roger Binny, the President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has confirmed his visit to Pakistan for an official dinner hosted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). This dinner is being held to commemorate Pakistan’s hosting of the Asia Cup 2023, scheduled to begin on August 30.
Binny, alongside Vice President Rajiv Shukla, will arrive in Pakistan on September 4, according to his statement. During their two-day visit, it is likely that they will attend a match at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on either September 3 or 5.
This diplomatic exchange follows an official invitation extended by Zaka Ashraf, the current PCB managing committee chairman, to the top brass of the BCCI on August 15. Remarkably, all top board members from the participating teams, including the BCCI, have confirmed their attendance.
Expressing his willingness to visit Pakistan, Binny said, “My visits to Pakistan were always memorable; Pakistanis are very hospitable.” He expressed hope that his visit would pave the way for improved India-Pakistan cricket ties.
In a bold statement, Binny emphasized the significance of matches between India and Pakistan, suggesting that they surpass even the renowned Ashes series in importance and viewership. He underscored the crucial role these matches play in the world of cricket.
It’s essential to highlight that Binny’s upcoming trip to Pakistan for the Asia Cup marks a historic event, as it will be his first visit to the country in 18 years. His last visit was in 2005, during the Asian Cricket Council camp. This move signifies a potential thaw in cricketing relations between the two neighboring nations, despite the political tensions that have persisted for several months.
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Who will make it to India’s Asia Cup squad?
