Reports: SLC and BCB back BCCI to move Asia Cup 2023 out of Pakistan

The controversy around hosting nation for the Asia Cup 2023 doesn’t seem to end as both India and Pakistan have been at loggerheads in deciding the venue of the continental tournament. While BCCI secretary Jay Shah has clearly mentioned that India will not be travelling to Pakistan for the tournament, PCB chairman Najam Sethi has threatened to not travel to India for ODI World Cup, which is scheduled for later this year in retaliation.

In a new development, both Sri Lanka Cricket and Bangladesh Cricket Board are reportedly backing BCCI to move Asia Cup out of Pakistan. The report further suggests that both countries are even willing to host the tournament if the hosting rights are taken away from Pakistan.

According to a report in Geo News, if Pakistan denies to participate in the tournament, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) could also consider replacing them in the event with United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Jay Shah, who is also the president of ACC, has even promised the broadcasters that any loss incurred by them due to Pakistan’s absence will be compensated with an India series in the near future.

Earlier, there were reports of the tournament taking place in a hybrid model where all of India’s matches will be played at a neutral venue including the final if they qualify for the same.

However, as per recent reports BCCI have rejected the hybrid model proposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and has been asked by the Indian government to adopt a strict stance during the next ACC meeting.

India and Pakistan last played bilateral series in 2012-13

Notably, the two nations have been in a verbal war ever since Pakistan were awarded the hosting rights of the Asia Cup 2023 in 2022. The former PCB chairman, Ramiz Raja, had also echoed the current stance of the board of not travelling to India for the World Cup.

India and Pakistan last played a bilateral series in 2012-13 and now only face off each other during multi-national tournaments such as Asia Cup or World Cup. In the upcoming months, the confusion over Asia Cup is expected to end after another meeting of ACC.