Srinagar: In a major setback for PCB, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has decided to move Asia Cup 2023 from Pakistan to Sri Lanka, a report in National media has said.
According to the report, ACC held meeting on the Asia Cup matter in which Sri Lanka was voted as an ideal destination to host Asia Cup 2023 since India refused to travel to Pakistan.
The report also claimed that Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan have supported India’s stance on this matter and have agreed on playing the event in the Sri Lanka. A final decision will be announced by the end of this month.
Meanwhile reports in Pakistan have now claimed that PCB might boycott Asia Cup in case event is moved out of Pakistan.
“In the case of Asia Cup’s shift, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) might boycott the event this year. PCB had already offered hybrid model for hosting Asia Cup according to which India’s matches alone would be hosted in Dubai,” reports said.
“The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) didn’t agree to this model citing the concerns of members boards and broadcasters. Also, the boards have reservations about playing in the UAE amid extremely hot weather,” report said.
Only two Sri Lankan cities – Pallekele and Dambulla – are under consideration to host the Asian event, report said.
Asia Cup 2023 will be played in 50-over format which will help teams prepare for ICC World Cup this year in India.
Pakistan media reports also claimed that PCB has also started preparing plan B.
“PCB is not willing to host the entire Asia Cup at a neutral venue as forced by the BCCI.If Asia Cup gets canceled or India set-up a five-nation tournament as a replica of the Asian event, then Pakistan will play bilateral or triangular series in a bid to prepare for the ICC World Cup in India,” report claimed.
Report further said that PCB has started contacting different boards. South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ireland, and West Indies are under consideration for the series in the Asia Cup window.
