'We Were Treated Like...': BCCI President Amazed by Pakistan’s Hospitality

image-lm94p9yhRoger Binny alongside PCB head Zaka Ashraf [Twitter]

BCCI President Roger Binny expressed his amazement at the hospitality extended to Indian guests during the Asia Cup ceremony in Pakistan, stating that they were treated like 'Kings' by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

The Chairman of the PCB Management Committee, Zaka Ashraf, had extended an invitation to BCCI officials to attend the Asia Cup matches in Pakistan with the hope that their visit would contribute to improving cricket relations between the neighboring nations.

On the invitation, Binny, accompanied by other BCCI officials including Vice President Rajeev Shukla, Director BCCI Yudhvir Singh, and Secretary to Vice President Mohammad Akram, traveled to Pakistan. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) hosted a dinner ceremony for them at the Governor House in Lahore. The delegation crossed the Attari-Wagah border on September 4 and returned on September 6, marking their first trip to Pakistan in 17 years.

Upon leaving Lahore, Binny expressed deep appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to the Indian cricket delegation during their recent visit for the Asia Cup ceremony.

According to Binny, the BCCI's visit was met with substantial hospitality. He mentioned:

 “Pakistan treated us very well, they went out of the way to make us comfortable. It was a fantastic experience. Like when we played the test match in 1984 the same hospitality was given to us. We were treated like kings over there, so it was an excellent time for us,"  ANI quoted Binny as saying.

Binny also noted that they had the opportunity to meet with Pakistan officials and members of the Pakistan Cricket Board, and both sides were pleased with the outcome of the visit.

“We were able to meet all the Pakistan officials and the Pakistan Cricket Board. They're very happy with the outcome of us coming there as we were so happy to be there also at the same time,"  added Binny.

It's important to note that Pakistan and India have not engaged in a bilateral series since 2012-13 due to ongoing political tensions between the two countries. Regarding the resumption of bilateral cricket ties, Binny emphasized that the decision would ultimately rest with the government and not with the BCCI.