PCB Chief Zaka Ashraf, Who Called India 'Dushman Mulk', To Attend IND vs PAK World Cup Clash In Ahmedabad

Zaka Ashraf, the PCB chief, announced on Saturday that he will travel to Ahmedabad on Thursday to see his country's World Cup match against India. Pakistani journalists are racing against the clock to cover Pakistan vs. India, the most anticipated World Cup match, in Ahmedabad.

The reason for the hurry is that some sixty Pakistani journalists have requested visas in order to cover this important match. The media have requested for visas in order to cover the international event, but if these applications are processed any later than expected, they may not be able to cover this historic match.

In a statement released by the Pakistan Cricket Board, Ashraf stated, "I have postponed my trip to India and I am travelling tomorrow after receiving confirmation that Pakistan's journalists have been asked to submit their passports to obtain visas to cover the mega-event."

When the Pakistani squad was visiting Hyderabad earlier in September, Ashraf created a commotion by referring to India as "a Dushman Mulk (An Enemy Nation)" in a widely shared video.

Ashraf stated, "We gave these contracts to our players with love and affection," in the widely shared video. There has never been a player awarded that much money in Pakistani history. My goal was to maintain the players' positive attitude while they travelled to compete in the enemy nation (Dushman Mulk).

He eventually withdrew his statement, though, realising that it would have grave consequences.

Ashraf expressed satisfaction with the way the Pakistani squad has performed thus far, easily winning both of their matches against Sri Lanka and the Netherlands.

"After watching the guys win both of their World Cup matches thus far, I am really happy with their performance. The players have the support of the entire country and the PCB management committee in their quest for a victorious World Cup campaign."