This year’s Asia Cup was scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan. But now, this tournament is set to shift to Sri Lanka because the BCCI has refused to send Team India to Pakistan. Since then, there is a possibility that the Asia Cup can now be held in Sri Lanka.
The final decision regarding the venue can be taken in the Asian Cricket Council meeting next month. In such a situation this is a shocking situation for Pakistan. Now, Pakistan is busy avoiding the World Cup in India.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has opposed holding this year’s Asia Cup in Sri Lanka and may seriously consider withdrawing from the continental tournament if the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) does not accept its proposal.
According to the report, Pakistan can play most of its matches in Bangalore and Chennai due to security reasons. Kolkata’s Eden Gardens can also be a venue. A report quoting sources in Geo News has come out, in which it is being said that Pakistan may not agree to play against India at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
The schedule of the World Cup has yet to be announced by the ICC. But its schedule can be released after IPL 2023.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi on Tuesday met Asian Cricket Council (ACC) officials in Dubai and opposed holding the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka instead of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Sethi emphasized that the ACC should accept Pakistan’s proposal for a revised hybrid model for the Asia Cup, and if most of the members want it to be held at a different venue, then it should be held in the UAE as was done in 2018 and 2022.
“Sethi dismissed concerns raised by the BCCI before the ACC that September is very hot in the UAE as the BCCI hosted the IPL in the UAE from September to November 2020,” the source said.
Earlier, PCB Chairman Najam Sethi had said that if India does not come to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, there is little chance of Pakistan coming to India and playing in the World Cup.
Sethi had said, “If the Indian cricket team does not come to Pakistan and play the Asia Cup, then there is a possibility that the Government of Pakistan will also not allow the team to participate in the World Cup.”
However, there have also been reports that Pakistan will come to India for the ODI World Cup if the BCCI assures them that they will send Team India to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
