The hosting of the Asia Cup 2023, which was awarded to Pakistan, has been shrouded in uncertainty due to India’s refusal to tour their neighboring country. As a result, the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has expressed its willingness to step in and host the prestigious tournament, even at short notice, if Pakistan is unable to do so.
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) had initially awarded the hosting rights to Pakistan. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is insistent on having the event held at a neutral venue. This difference in opinion has put the future of the tournament in jeopardy.
The BCCI’s stance is driven by a desire to ensure fair competition in a neutral environment. On the other hand, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reluctant to host the event outside of Pakistan, as it may hinder their ongoing efforts to bring international cricket back to the country.
The PCB had proposed a hybrid model, which involved holding four group stage matches in Pakistan and the remainder of the tournament at a neutral venue. However, the BCCI is unlikely to accept this proposal.
In response to the situation, a top SLC official expressed Sri Lanka’s readiness to step up as hosts if needed. “The SLC is prepared to host the Asia Cup at short notice. The decision now rests with the ACC,” the official stated.
Najam Sethi, the chairman of the PCB Management Committee, has called for a rational approach to resolve the impending crisis that threatens the successful hosting of the Asia Cup and Pakistan’s participation in the ODI World Cup this year.
Speaking to the media during the National Assembly Standing Committee on Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) meeting, Sethi expressed doubts about the Pakistan team’s chances of traveling to India for the ODI World Cup.
If India refuses to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, Sethi believes that the Pakistan government would not permit the team to cross the borders for their World Cup participation. This scenario would be detrimental to the sport of cricket as a whole.
Sethi emphasized the need for a middle ground to resolve the issues that jeopardize the smooth hosting of ICC and ACC events. If India refuses to tour Pakistan for the Asia Cup, the Pakistani government would reciprocate and not allow their team to travel to India for the World Cup matches.
The situation calls for careful deliberation and diplomacy to ensure the successful hosting of both tournaments and the continued growth of cricket in the region. The ACC now faces the task of making a decision that will satisfy all parties involved.
The cricketing world watches with anticipation as the fate of the Asia Cup 2023 hangs in the balance. The tournament represents a significant opportunity for teams to showcase their skills and for fans to celebrate the spirit of the game. It is crucial that a resolution is reached promptly to avoid any further disruption to the cricket calendar.
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