Pakistan Cricket Board chief Zaka Ashraf changes stand after indirectly terming India 'enemy nation'

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) head Zaka Ashraf’s recent comments in which he indirectly termed India an “enemy nation” has created a massive controversy, forcing the millionaire banker to retract his remarks and release a statement clarifying his stand. Ashraf, whose loose comments have also not gone down well with the bigwigs of BCCI, also hailed the grand welcome the Pakistan team received upon arriving in India for the World Cup. “Chairman PCB’s Management Committee, Zaka Ashraf, has stated that the fantastic reception of the Pakistan men’s cricket team in India for the World Cup proves how much love the people of both countries have for each other’s players,” the PCB said in a statement. Sensing that his “enemy nation” comments could have deeper implications, Ashraf was quick to distance himself from his earlier comment. “This love was evident by the reception arranged at the Hyderabad airport. Zaka Ashraf personally congratulated the Indians over arranging a reception of this kind. He mentioned that whenever India and Pakistan step onto the cricket field, they emerge as traditional rivals but not as enemies,” it stated. The two teams play each other in ICC events and Asia Cup due to the tense relations between the two countries. The players however get along well with each other. Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf were left overwhelmed with the welcome at Hyderabad airport. Ashraf is expected to attend the blockbuster India-Pakistan clash in Ahmedabad on October 14. “Chairman Management Committee also emphasised that cricket between Pakistan and India have always been the centre of global attention which is why cricket between the two countries is considered more significant than the other contests in this sport.” The statement also mentioned about starting bilateral ties once again but India’s next five-year FTP calendar doesn’t have space for a series with next door neighbours. “He (Ashraf) expressed his desire for the restoration of bilateral cricketing relations between the two countries, allowing millions of cricket fans from both nations the opportunity to watch these players perform live.” Ashraf concluded with the expectation that the Indian team would travel to Pakistan soon. “He concluded by expressing his hope that the Indian cricket team would also visit Pakistan soon, enabling Pakistan to reciprocate the warmth and love shown by India to the Pakistan cricket team,” the statement added.