In an unexpected move, the Asia Cup cricket teams unveiled their kits without the name of the host country, Pakistan, raising eyebrows and sparking a wave of speculation on social media.
This decision has been linked to Jay Shah, the President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the Secretary of the Indian Cricket Board, and is viewed by many as evidence of bias against Pakistan.
The omission was first noticed during the opening match of the Asia Cup, which saw Pakistan facing off against Nepal. As the players took to the field, fans and followers immediately observed the lack of "Pakistan" on the kits, prompting heated discussions and debates on various social media platforms.
In response to the growing outcry, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) clarified the situation, stating that a decision was made last year by the Asian Cricket Council to exclude both the year and the host country's name from the kits in upcoming Asia Cup tournaments. The rationale behind this significant change, however, remains unclear, further fueling speculation.
Many fans and critics alike are questioning the influence of Jay Shah's dual roles in both the ACC and the Indian Cricket Board and whether this has led to a potential conflict of interest in decisions concerning Pakistan. This recent controversy only adds to the already delicate and politically charged relationship between India and Pakistan in the realm of cricket.
While the games proceed, this issue has cast a shadow on the Asia Cup, with many waiting for more transparency from the ACC on the matter.