Asia Cup 2023: BCCI Satisfied At ACC’s Suggestion Of Hosting India Matches At Neutral Venue- Reports

If reports are to be believed then the logjam between BCCI and PCB on the venue of the Asia Cup 2023 has been solved as the Asian Cricket Council’s (ACC) formula of holding India’s matches at a neutral venue with Pakistan hosting the tournament has likely been accepted by the BCCI.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reiterated its stand of not traveling to Pakistan for the tournament during the ACC’s executive board meeting in Bahrain earlier this month.

At the BCCI AGM in Mumbai in October, Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary, and the ACC chairman, first made it obvious that India wouldn’t be sending a squad to Pakistan. The official justification given is that it won’t receive the required government permission.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will be the host nation, although the BCCI has no issues traveling there to compete. For India’s matches, Dubai and Sharjah are being considered as potential locations.

Because of the upcoming World Cup in Australia, the Asia Cup was played under the T20 format the previous year. The current champions are Sri Lanka. When India didn’t tour Pakistan, the PCB threatened to leave the ACC.

Final Decision On Asia Cup Venue To Be Taken In ACC Meeting In March 2023

The Telegraph reported that BCCI has no problems in playing in another country where Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will be the host nation. Dubai and Sharjah are being looked at as possible venues for India to play their matches. And with India primed to reach the final as well, the final will also be held in Dubai.

The PCB is keen on hosting the Asia Cup and has pointed to international teams touring the country to assure players of their safety. Teams like England, New Zealand, and Australia have toured Pakistan for Test and limited-overs matches in the past few months.

“The ACC isn’t in favour of a long-drawn tussle among its members. The BCCI tried to make other boards understand their position during the last meeting. Hence, this formula is being talked about. The ACC had a constructive dialogue on the upcoming Asia Cup 2023.

The Board agreed to continue discussions on operations, timelines and any other specifics with a view to ensure (sic) the success of the tournament. An update on the matter would be taken at the next ACC executive board meeting to be held in March 2023,” a source told The Telegraph.

ACC also hopes that this formula will help pacify PCB enough after their threat of boycotting the ODI World Cup 2023 which is to be hosted by India.

Also Read: IPL 2023: Huge Boost For Mumbai Indians As Jasprit Bumrah Resumes Bowling At the NCA