Sri Lanka is likely to host the upcoming Asia Cup, as the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is set to move the tournament from Pakistan. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been ruled out as a host due to extreme heat during September. The tournament is tentatively scheduled to take place between September 2 and 17. While Pakistan has strong reservations about the tournament being moved out of the country, the ACC could consider replacing them with the UAE if they decide not to participate.
The decision to shift the event from Pakistan was anticipated after BCCI Secretary Jay Shah announced that the Indian team would not travel across the border. A final decision on the venue is expected by the end of this month, with Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan supporting the move to host the event in Sri Lanka. Pakistan’s participation in the tournament remains unclear, with reports indicating a possible boycott.
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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed a hybrid model to host the Asia Cup, in which India’s matches alone would be hosted in Dubai. However, this proposal has not found support, and the tournament broadcaster has also expressed concerns. With September being peak summer in the UAE, other boards had reservations about playing in the Gulf region, especially a month before the 50-over World Cup.
Sri Lanka has been considered an ideal destination for the tournament, and a final decision is expected in the coming weeks. In case Sri Lanka hosts the event, Dambulla and Pallekele could be the venues, as Colombo typically experiences monsoon season in September. If Pakistan confirms its participation, the Asia Cup would be a six-team event, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Nepal, who qualified for the tournament by winning the ACC’s Premier Cup.
The potential relocation of the Asia Cup raises questions about Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming World Cup, which India is set to host in October-November. The last 50-over format of the Asia Cup saw India emerge as champions, beating Bangladesh in the final in Dubai.
Sri Lanka, Bangladesh cricket boards back BCCI on moving Asia Cup 2023 out of Pakistan
The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have expressed their support for the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) proposal to move this year’s Asia Cup tournament out of Pakistan. According to Geo News, both countries are willing to host the continental cricket event if it is relocated from Pakistan.
Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Jay Shah announced last year that the 2023 edition of the tournament would be held at a neutral venue, rather than in Pakistan. If Pakistan chooses not to participate in the Asia Cup, the ACC may consider replacing them with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Jay Shah, who is also the BCCI secretary, has assured broadcasters that any losses incurred due to Pakistan’s absence from the Asia Cup 2023 will be compensated during a future series involving India. The BCCI has been advised by the Indian government to maintain a strict stance on this matter during the next ACC meeting.
Furthermore, the BCCI is unlikely to accept the hybrid model proposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the Asia Cup. Under this proposal, India would have played its matches at a neutral venue.
Also See: Asia Cup 2023 Schedule, Match Dates, Venues and Teams Details
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