Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Sourav Ganguly has created a buzz after revealing that the venue of Asia Cup 2020 has been shifted from Pakistan to Dubai. But the debate of hosting the mega event didn’t end here as Pakistan Cricket Board(PCB) chief Ehsan Mani has opposed Ganguly’s statement stating that the final call is still to be taken on deciding the venue.
PCB wants to host the Asia Cup in the home but BCCI is strictly against sending its players to the rival nation. Political differences between the two countries have also halted India and Pakistan to host a bilateral series.
In such a case, Pakistan will have the hosting rights but the tournament would be played in UAE. Recently, Sourav Ganguly also cleared that the Board is ready to send players in UAE. Well, according to Mani, the venue is still not decided.
A final decision will be taken bearing: PCB chief Eshan Mani on Asia Cup 2020
“The Asia Cup is organized for the benefit of the Associate Members. We will make a decision keeping that in mind. A final decision will be taken bearing in mind the interests of all the Asian countries. We have a few options,” Mani told The Indian Express.
Mani also opined on the coronavirus threat while citing it as a reason behind the delay in finalizing the scheduling of the tournament.
“Look, the Asia Cup is in September and we are in February. But if it (coronavirus outbreak) gets out of control, then we have to be prepared for any eventuality. So the matter could be discussed as a secondary issue,” Mani further said.
Meanwhile, India and Pakistan have last played the bilateral series in 2012-2013 when Pakistan toured India to play the ODI and T20I series. Whereas, India last toured Pakistan in 2006.
Now, it will be interesting to see which venue will be decided by Asian countries.