President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Roger Binny along with Vice President Rajiv Shukla is set to embark on a significant tour to Pakistan next month.
The purpose of their visit is to attend an official dinner hosted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in Lahore, marking the commemoration of Asia Cup 2023, which Pakistan is proudly hosting.
BCCI President Binny confirmed this development, stating, “Vice President Rajiv Shukla and I are scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on September 4.”
This visit holds special significance for Binny, as it will mark his first trip to Pakistan in an impressive span of 18 years.
Furthermore, as part of their two-day visit, it has been reported by reputable sports source ESPNCricinfo that Binny and Shukla are likely to attend a cricket match at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium on either September 3 or 5.
This will not only add a dimension of sports enthusiasm to their tour but also reinforce the cultural and sporting ties between the two cricket-loving nations.
The invitation for this diplomatic cricket rendezvous was extended by Zaka Ashraf, the current PCB managing committee chairman, on August 15. Remarkably, all major board members from the participating teams, including BCCI representatives, have promptly confirmed their attendance.
Expressing his sentiments about the impending visit, Binny shared, “I am wholeheartedly looking forward to visiting Pakistan. My previous experiences in the country have been truly memorable, with Pakistanis exemplifying warm hospitality.”
Binny’s optimism also extends to the realm of India-Pakistan cricket ties, as he believes that this diplomatic exchange will play a positive role in nurturing the cricketing relations between the two nations.
Furthermore, Binny highlighted the significance of cricket matches between India and Pakistan by comparing them to the prestigious Ashes series.
He emphasized, “The clashes between Pakistan and India hold immense importance for the world of cricket.” His words resonate against the backdrop of recent conflicts and tensions between the cricket boards of the two countries, which have persisted due to the political strains between them.
It’s crucial to note that Binny’s forthcoming trip to Pakistan for the Asia Cup marks a noteworthy moment.
His last visit to the nation was in 2005 when he attended the Asian Cricket Council camp. This upcoming diplomatic journey not only underscores the pivotal role cricket plays in fostering connections between nations but also carries the potential to pave the way for renewed dialogue and cooperation in the world of sports.
