The Board of Control for Cricket in India declined to dispatch their team across the border, while the Gulf region was eliminated as a potential venue due to the excessive heat anticipated in September.
Asia Cup 2023: The Asia Cup is anticipated to be held in Sri Lanka as the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) intends to relocate the competition from Pakistan. The potential relocation of the event from its initial host country was a likely consideration following the statement made by BCCI secretary Jay Shah, indicating that the Indian team would not embark on a journey across the border.
The tournament’s venue decision is anticipated to be made by the conclusion of this month. Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan are in favor of holding the event in the island nation. The current status of Pakistan’s involvement in the tournament remains uncertain, as there are indications that they may choose to abstain from participating.
The PCB is expressing interest in hosting the tournament domestically, but the BCCI is receiving backing from other ACC members, making the decision appear inevitable. The PCB suggested a hybrid model for hosting the Asia Cup after the BCCI declined to travel to Pakistan for the tournament, citing insufficient clearance from the government. As per the proposal, only India’s matches would be held in Dubai.
The proposal in question has failed to garner any interest, and the tournament broadcaster has also voiced apprehensions regarding it. Additionally, due to September being the height of summer in the United Arab Emirates, the other boards expressed concerns regarding participating in the Gulf region merely a month before the 50-over World Cup. At a recent informal gathering of the ACC members, it has been reported that Oman expressed interest in hosting the tournament. However, after careful consideration of the prevailing circumstances, Sri Lanka has been deemed a suitable location.
During the September of 2018, Dubai was the host of the Asia Cup, where the players faced highly demanding conditions. During the tournament, Hardik Pandya suffered a back injury. With the World Cup scheduled to commence in the first week of October and teams eager to utilize the Asia Cup as a form of preparation, the UAE has been completely eliminated as an option.
The main concern regarding Pakistan’s participation in the Asia Cup in 2023:
Historically, the IPL has been organized by the BCCI in September (2020). However, even matches that were held during the latter part of the summer season posed challenges for players.The participation of Pakistan is uncertain.
The ACC is currently considering the final decision regarding the tournament, as teams are cautious about risking players in extreme heat. Additionally, Sri Lanka Cricket has expressed interest in hosting the tournament. If the event were to take place in Sri Lanka, Dambulla and Pallekele could serve as potential venues due to the monsoon season typically occurring in Colombo during September.
The impact of this event on the forthcoming World Cup is yet to be determined. Intelligence suggests that if the Asia Cup is relocated from Pakistan, the PCB may opt out of the tournament, according to reports. The potential decision to skip the aforementioned tournament may raise doubts regarding their involvement in the upcoming World Cup, scheduled to take place in India during October and November.
The Asia Cup of 2022 was won by Sri Lanka, which was played in the T20 format as it preceded the T20 World Cup in Australia. The tournament alternates between 20 and 50-over formats based on the upcoming ICC event. The upcoming game will be conducted in a 50-over structure. In the previous instance of the tournament held in the 50-over format, India emerged victorious by defeating Bangladesh in the final match held in Dubai.
In the event of Pakistan’s confirmation, the Asia Cup would comprise six teams. Nepal has secured a spot in the tournament by emerging victorious in the ACC’s Premier Cup, alongside India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
The proposed schedule for the tournament is from September 2 to 17.
Teams are qualified for Asia Cup:
India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan(unclear)
1 thought on “Sri Lanka can host Asia Cup 2023 as Pakistan’s hybrid model rejected: Reports”