Wives accompanied players during India tour in order to avoid controversies, says former PAK chief
In a shocking revelation, former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Zaka Ashraf has revealed that the board had sent the players’ wives along with them to India in the tour of 2012/13 in order to avoid mishappenings.
Pakistan toured India for a 3-match ODI series and a 2-match T20I series in December-January 2012-2013. That was also the last time the arch-rivals locked horns in a bilateral series. Since 2013, the teams meet only in the ICC matches.
Wives were sent to keep a check on the players: Zaka Ashraf
Meanwhile, Zaka Ashraf said that he allowed wives to travel alongside players in order to avoid Indian media and the rumors created by them who were always after the players.
Zaka Ashraf who was the chairman of the PCB when the tour was organized said: “During my time when our team went on a tour to India, I advised that all the wives of the players will accompany them. This decision was taken so that no controversy could be created as Indian media is always on the lookout for that. The wives meant to also keep a check on the players.”
He also revealed that the then BCCI President N Srinivasan had promised that the Indian team would tour Pakistan if the security arrangements are made tight. However, it didn’t happen.
They invited us for a short series and once we went there, I met with BCCI chairman at the time Narayanaswami Srinivasan. He promised India’s participation on Pakistan soil granted if foolproof security is given,” he said.
He also stressed that both countries must come together for cricket. “We should always try to restore ties with the Indian government in regards to cricket. The biggest advantage we have right now is that General Bajwa is currently occupying the position and he himself wants to see Pakistan cricket prosper”, Ashraf said.
Pakistan cricket team first toured India in 1952/53. Since then, the team for eleven series so far in cricket history. Their last one came in the 2012/13 period.
The T20I series ended with 1-1. Pakistan had won the 1st match by chasing 133 within 20 overs and won the match by five wickets.
India bounced back very well, thanks to Yuvraj Singh, who made 72 runs from just 36 deliveries. India eventually went to win the contest by 11 runs.
Pakistan, however, returned home with the ODI series. The team won the 1st match by six wickets and followed it up with an 85-run victory.
India got the consolation win in the final match of the series.
MS Dhoni was named the player of the ODI series while Mohammad Hafeez won the player of the T20I series.
Pakistan are likely to host the Asia Cup next year and it will be interesting to see how they go here as BCCI are The teams last meet overall same in the T20 World Cup. Pakistan took India down by ten wickets.