Asia Cup 2023 Venue Shift: Sri Lanka Likely To Host Tournament, Pakistan Could Boycott The Competition

The confusion over the venue for Asia Cup 2023 refuses to die down as the latest reports suggest that Sri Lanka are likely to host the competition this year instead of Pakistan.

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has awarded the hosting rights for Asia Cup 2023 to Pakistan. However, the poor bilateral relations between India and Pakistan has made it almost impossible for the latter to host the competition this year. BCCI president and ACC Chairman Jay Shah has already announced that India won’t be visiting Pakistan for the upcoming edition of the continental championship.

Due to BCCI’s stand over the entire matter, the decision to shift Asia Cup out of Pakistan was always on the cards. Not very long ago, there were reports that the tournament was likely to be played in Pakistan with another overseas venue to host India games. Pakistan reportedly proposed the idea of hosting India’s games in Dubai.

The proposal, however, has not found support from most of the countries as well as the broadcasters. One of the reasons behind most countries turning down the offer was the harsh weather conditions in UAE. Oman had also offered to host the tournament but the proposal was turned down due to weather conditions.

Sri Lanka likely to be Asia Cup 2023 host:

While Pakistan are looking set to lose the hosting rights for Asia Cup 2023, Sri Lanka are reportedly set to host the 6-team competition this year. As per reports, a final decision on the matter is expected by the end of this month with Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan backing the move to host the event in the island nation.

According to a report in Indian Express, the BCCI is finding support from other members of the ACC to shift the tournament out of Pakistan. In such a scenario, Pakistan losing the rights looks like a mere formality. And in case, Sri Lanka host the tournament, Pakistan’s participation in it looks highly doubtful. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) could completely boycott the competition over losing the hosting rights.

Pakistan could boycott the ICC World Cup:

The decision to shift the Asia Cup venue from Pakistan for Sri Lanka could have an impact on the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023 too. With India set to host the tournament right after the Asia Cup concludes, PCB could decide to boycott the marquee event too if they skip the continental championship.

Asia Cup hosts:

In case, Sri Lanka get the chance to host the tournament, they will be hosting it for the first time since 2010. The Islanders last hosted the tournament in 2010 which was won by India. Sri Lanka have hosted the competition four times so far.

Asia Cup hosts list: