The forthcoming Asia XI vs World XI T20I series has already started to create hype but the event attracted some negative attention after it was claimed that none of the Pakistan players would be invited for the two matches. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), however, has cited the tournament’s clash with Pakistan Super League (PSL) as the reason behind their players’ non-participation.
As many as five Indian players are expected to be a part of the 2-match series and there were questions over Pakistani players sharing the dressing room with their Indian counterparts considering the current state of political affairs between the two nations.
Issuing a clarification, however, PCB said that it’s the clash of dates with PSL 2020 that wouldn’t enable Pakistani players to participate. The Pakistan board also accused the BCCI of twisting facts on the matter.
“The T20Is between World XI and Asia XI were scheduled from March 16-20, while the HBL PSL 2020 is likely to end on March 22. Since dates of both the series couldn’t be changed, we offered our regrets to the BCB, both verbally and in writing, which they understood and accepted,” a PCB spokesperson said.
“It is unfortunate that the facts were twisted to mislead Pakistan cricket fans and followers,” he added.
Earlier, BCCI Joint Secretary Jayesh George spoke to IANS on the subject and revealed that the issue of Pakistani and Indian players playing for the same team isn’t going to arise as none of the PCB players will be invited.
