The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is reportedly all set to host the upcoming edition of the Asia Cup without Pakistan. The huge decision could very well affect Pakistan’s chances of participating in this year’s 50-over World Cup, scheduled to be held in India in October-November.
The ACC is yet to confirm the venue for Asia Cup 2023. While Pakistan have the hosting rights for the continental championship, India’s stand has made it pretty impossible for them to conduct the tournament. The BCCI has made it clear that Team India would not be visiting Pakistan due to the poor bilateral relations between the two neighbors.
Recently, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had also suggested a ‘hybrid model’ where Pakistan would get to host the competition but India would play their games at a neutral venue. However, the suggestion was rejected by BCCI secretary Jay Shah.
During his recent informal deliberations with the heads of member nations in Ahmedabad, Shah said that the tournament should be held only in Sri Lanka this year. As things stand, it looks highly unlikely that Pakistan will be able to host the competition in their own backyard. And while only time will tell how things unfold, it looks like Pakistan are set to give the tournament a miss.
Pakistan to skip Asia Cup 2023:
According to The Telegraph, PCB will be categorically told at the next executive board meeting of the ACC that all other participating nations have agreed to play in Sri Lanka. With no takers for the hybrid model, PCB will have to either participate in the competition in Sri Lanka or pull out.
In case Pakistan pull out of Asia Cup 2023, 5 teams – India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Nepal – will take part in the continental championship. The report further added that India’s decision to reject the hybrid model could prompt Pakistan to consider extreme measures.
While ICC chairman Greg Barclay and CEO Geoff Allardice were recently in Lahore to seek an assurance from Pakistan to participate in the World Cup, PCB could sensationally decide against playing in the marquee event. The PCB has reportedly informed the ICC officials that Pakistan’s participation in the World Cup depends on government clearance.