Refuting media reports about postponing the Asia Cup and holding the tournament in Dubai at the same time without Pakistan, sources in the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) said they have not sent any such proposal to the member nations. A Pakistani media report has claimed that the country may withdraw hosting of the tournament if the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) does not agree to play the Asia Cup at a neutral venue.
The PCB has the right to host the 2023 Asia Cup to be held in the ODI format but the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and ACC President Jay Shah has made it clear that the Indian cricket team will not travel to Pakistan. The PCB has proposed a ‘hybrid model’ for hosting the Asia Cup where Pakistan will play its home tie while India will play at a neutral venue, most likely Dubai.
It is learned that the BCCI wants the entire tournament to be played in the UAE like in 2018 and 2022 with three grounds in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi. India was the host of the Asia Cup 2018 while Sri Lanka was the host of the 2022 tournament. A member of the ACC board, who was aware of the discussions on the sidelines of the International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting in Dubai, told PTI on condition of anonymity, “Messages were exchanged but on postponing the Asia Cup No discussion or proposal was made.
The source said, “Secondly, if the Asia Cup is cancelled, the PCB will be informed first. Nothing like this has happened so far. The ACC president (Shah) has not taken any official decision so far. “He said,” ACC will have to call a meeting of the executive board to postpone or cancel the tournament. The chairman can call a meeting (virtual or offline) within seven days. No such meeting has been informed so far.
The ACC source said that to the best of their knowledge, the invitation was sent to the Indian team in the last official email between PCB, ACC and BCCI assuring best security and hospitality. “But of course, in the current sensitive environment, it is difficult for India to travel to Pakistan,” he said. Another issue is the payment of money by the official broadcaster for the broadcast contract, which also includes at least two matches between India and Pakistan. Are included.
If both the teams reach the final, the third match will also be played. “We must also remember the media rights and the deal with Star Sports which has given millions (of dollars) for at least two matches between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup,” the source confirmed. The BCCI got the support of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) when informal discussions took place among the ACC members to hold the tournament at a neutral venue. “If the Asia Cup is canceled after the ACC president calls a meeting of the executive board, it will not only impact Pakistan’s World Cup representation but also PCB’s future tour calendar and bilateral ties with Sri Lanka, Afghanistan or Bangladesh,” the source said. But it will also happen. The situation is very critical.
