'You know, who rules Ahmedabad': PCB on reported IND vs PAK 2023 World Cup match at Narendra Modi Stadium

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Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi has reacted to reports suggesting that the BCCI is planning to host the showpiece India versus Pakistan 2023 World Cup fixture at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Sethi has alleged that the move is a tactic to stop Pakistan from coming to India, adding that Ahmedabad in Gujarat will pose a security threat for the Men in Green. He also indirectly pointed out that Gujarat is ruled by the PM Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

“When I heard this statement, I smiled and said to myself – 'this is one way to make sure we don’t come to India’. If you had said Chennai or Kolkata, it might have made sense."

“The less said about that, the better. It certainly gave the impression that this is a red herring being thrown in our way to tell us – 'hey, we are going to play you in Ahmedabad and you watch out.' You know, who rules Ahmedabad!" Sethi told The Indian Express.

Further, Sethi also took a shot at India with another bizarre statement. He said that India are reluctant to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023 as they are afraid of losing there. He added that India are also afraid of losing against Pakistan in their own country.

“The Indian bridge, volleyball and kabaddi teams have visited Pakistan. So, what’s the problem with the Indian cricket team coming to Pakistan? My suspicion is that India is afraid of losing to Pakistan in India and India is afraid of losing to Pakistan in Pakistan,” Sethi told the Indian Express.

Earlier reports had suggested that Pakistan want their matches to be held in Kolkata in Chennai - two venues which they find the safest for their players in India.