India have found support from an unlikely source as they try to ensure that Pakistan do not get to host this year’s Asia Cup in their country. While Pakistan have the hosting rights for the competition, the BCCI have made it clear that Team India won’t visit them due to security reasons as well as the poor bilateral relations between the two nations.
Recently, Pakistan proposed a hybrid model where they suggested that while they would be hosting the tournament, India could play their games in the UAE. However, the model has been rejected not only by India but by other member boards too due to the extreme weather conditions in the UAE at that time of the year.
And recent reports suggest that the continental championship is likely to be held in Sri Lanka. A final decision on the same would be out soon. A total of six teams will be taking part in the competition this year.
Mohammad Asif supports India over Asia Cup venue saga:
India have faced severe criticism from the Pakistani cricket fraternity over the decision to not visit Pakistan for Asia Cup 2023. However, former Pakistan bowler Mohammad Asif has supported India, saying that the political situation in his country is not great at the moment.
“I don’t think it will happen. Because the political situation is not great. Any team will be a little apprehensive of coming. So I think the Asia Cup will be shifted to Sri Lanka or Dubai,” Mohammad Asif said in Tahir ‘The 12th Man’ YouTube channel.
Meanwhile, there is a possibility that Pakistan could decide to skip this year’s Asia Cup in order to show their displeasure over not getting the chance to host the competition. In case they boycott the tournament, they are also likely to skip the World Cup this year that is scheduled to be held in India.
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