BCCI yet to receive Government confirmation to host Pakistan for Asia Cup

With 2018 knocking on the door, the Chief Executives of Asian Cricket Council (ACC) are meeting in Singapore on November 18 to finalize the format, teams, and schedule for the next edition of the Asia Cup. However, there still remains an air of ambiguity on the venue. The BCCI is supposed to host the upcoming edition but nothing can be confirmed unless the board receives a go-ahead from the Government of India.

The timing of the tournament is also a bit tricky which makes things more complicated. It is slated to be held next September which is not far away from the next general election in the country. Also, the current ruling party has been maintaining a hard stand on Pakistan and is not inclined to give the go-ahead for the tournament.

The BCCI has already written to the home ministry seeking permission to host the event but hasn’t received any response yet. No one in the government, including the sports minister, is ready to delve any information since the tournament also includes the participation of Pakistan.

Afghanistan to get an automatic entry

In the interim, the CEOs of the ACC are expected to decide on the alternative plans for the tournament which is expected to be held in the 50-over format. The last edition in Bangladesh was a Twenty20 tournament. A qualifier will also be played in order to identify the sixth team to take part in the championship apart from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Afghanistan will get an automatic entry by virtue of being a full member of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Also, the tri-series for the Sri Lanka Independence Cup next March will be a hosted in a Twenty20 format. The tentative dates have been fixed for March 3to 27 and will comprise of seven games.