The Pakistan Cricket Board is going to host the Asia Cup this time. On the one hand, India has completely made up its mind not to travel to Pakistan, and on the other hand, different statements are being given by Pakistan cricket.
Now Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Najam Sethi has given another statement. He has given this statement on taking a big decision regarding the Asia Cup.
On Friday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) proposed to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to host the Asia Cup, with India’s matches being organized at neutral venues. In this, India can play its matches at a neutral venue while the rest of the teams will play in Pakistan. PCB chief Najam Sethi said that he has sent this proposal to ACC.
The Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) refused to go to Pakistan due to political tension between the two countries and demanded the Asia Cup to be shifted to a neutral venue. Sethi said during a press conference that we have decided to conduct it on a ‘hybrid model’, where Pakistan will play Asia Cup matches at its home ground and India will play its matches at neutral venues. This is our proposal to the Asian Cricket Council.
Sethi said, “We have been told that relations can be normal. We have been advised to go to India for the World Cup and play the Asia Cup at a neutral venue. If this happens, India will consider participating in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan in 2025.”
Sethi, however, did not say who gave the advice. Sethi indicated that the public opinion in his country was that Pakistan should play cricket on equal terms with India. He said, “There is no restriction from our government to play against India, but I can say on public opinion that we are not needy and we can stand on our feet financially. We want to play respectable cricket with India. We are also in talks with ACC.”
The Asia Cup will be held from September 2 to 17, in which six teams will participate. The exact match schedule and the ongoing controversy regarding its venue have not been announced yet. Apart from Pakistan and India, a qualifier team and Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh will participate in the Asia Cup. Its qualifying tournament is going on in Nepal.
