The Asia Cup Has Moved Out Of Pakistan? The Event Is Likely To Be Held In Sri Lanka

Asian Cricket Council (ACC) on Monday decided to move the Asia Cup out of Pakistan after PCB's proposal to host it on a 'hybrid model' was rejected.

As a result of extremely humid conditions in the UAE in September, Sri Lanka has emerged as a frontrunner to host the six-nation tournament.

The tournament, scheduled for September 2-17, will be interesting to see if Pakistan competes after this snub.

After the BCCI refused to send the Indian team to the neighbouring nation because of diplomatic tensions, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) proposed an alternative.

PCB had proposed that India play its games in the UAE while Pakistan host its matches on home soil.

" Chairman Najam Sethi was in Dubai today to solicit support but found no takers for his proposal that Pakistan play its games in Karachi and Lahore while India plays in Dubai.

A source from the ACC told PTI that Sri Lanka has always been with BCCI, and now even the Bangladesh Cricket Board opposes the idea."

"The ACC has always maintained that the 'hybrid model' is unacceptable, and budgetary sanctions cannot be passed."

"It's not about Pakistan hosting its own matches. It also means that if India and Pakistan are in the same group, the third team will be travelling between Dubai and a Pakistani city," the source explained.

What added fuel to the fire is PCB's recent decision to host Pakistan Super League's matches in UAE due to escalated security costs.

" Furthermore, the broadcasters wouldn't want to send separate teams in two countries. Sri Lanka, like the UAE, doesn't require inter-city flights regardless of whether you play at Khettarama (Premadasa Stadium), SSC, Galle, or Kandy."

However the ACC chairman Jay Shah will need to convene an Executive Body meeting to make the decision official.

In the prevailing situation, whether Pakistan participates in the event or decides against coming to India for the World Cup remains to be seen.

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

 

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