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Cricket

Sri Lanka likely to host Asia Cup 2023, blow to PCB

The Asia Cup 2023 is likely to be relocated to Sri Lanka, which would be a big setback for initial hosts Pakistan. After BCCI secretary Jay Shah stated that the Indian squad would be hesitant to travel over the border to compete in the Asia Cup, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) threatened to boycott the ODI World Cup 2023 in India. According to a PTI report, Sri Lanka is set to host the continental competition rather than Pakistan, with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) expected to make a definitive decision by the end of May. Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan have also endorsed the BCCI’s plea for the Asia Cup 2023 to be relocated away from Pakistan, with the island country likely to be chosen.

It is unclear whether Pakistan would play in the competition if it makes it to Sri Lanka. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) voted on Monday to relocate the Asia Cup after the PCB’s plan to host the event on a ‘hybrid model’ was rejected by the member nations. Sri Lanka has emerged as the frontrunner to host the six-nation event, as excessively humid temperatures in the UAE in September might cause player injury.

“Najam Sethi (PCB chairman) was in Dubai today to procure support but to his horror there were no takers for his proposal of Pakistan playing its games in Karachi or Lahore and India playing in UAE. Sri Lanka was always with BCCI and now even Bangladesh Cricket Board seemed opposed to the idea,” an ACC source told reporters.

“ACC has always maintained that in principle the ‘hybrid model’ is unacceptable and the budgetary sanctions can never be passed.” “Also it’s not about Pakistan hosting its own matches. It also means that if India and Pakistan are in same group, the third team will be travelling to and fro between Dubai and a city in Pakistan,” the source explained.

Pakistan is unlikely to compete in the event because it will not host the Asia Cup in 2023. Earlier this year, there were also rumours that PCB is prepared to accept losses if the championship cannot be held in the nation.

There were also speculations earlier this month that the PCB president will demand a “written guarantee” from Shah about India’s involvement in the 2025 edition of the ICC Champions Trophy before heading to the ODI World Cup 2023 later this year.

“Even ICC won’t agree to Pakistan playing its matches outside India (during World Cup). So let’s see what PCB decides,” the source added.

To make the decision official, ACC Chairman Jay Shah will need to call an Executive Body meeting. In the current circumstances, it remains to be seen if Pakistan participates in the tournament or decides not to come to India for the World Cup.

Farzeen K

Farzeen K

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