Reports: Sri Lanka Cricket shows interest in hosting Asia Cup 2023

The discussions regarding proposals for the hosting of the Asia Cup in 2023 are still going on. The rights to host the continental championship were won by Pakistan, however, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had earlier stated that they will not travel to the neighboring country due to the political tensions between both nations.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said on Monday, May 29, that the Island nation is ready to host the 2023 Asia Cup if the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) grants them the hosting rights. The claim comes just days before the ACC meeting, which is likely to make a decision on the continental championship with only one venue.

While speaking to Cricbuzz, a top SLC official said that the board is prepared to host the Asia Cup on short notice and that the choice is now up to the ACC. Notably, the BCCI previously rejected the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) hybrid model, in which matches were planned to be held in both Pakistan and the UAE.

"The SLC is prepared to host the Asia Cup at a short notice. The decision now is up to the ACC. Colombo or nothing. We will go with the BCCI," an SLC official told Cricbuzz.

With no board accepting PCB’s proposal of a hybrid model, they are getting distinctly isolated in the ACC. The heads of SLC, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), and Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) are currently in India to attend the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) final and will also be havign a meeting with the BCCI officials. Apart from them, non-Test members like the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) are also reportedly present in Ahmedabad.

However, it is unclear what PCB’s position will be, but board chief Najam Sethi stated that Pakistan would not play in the Asia Cup if they're not allowed to host a few games. He has also previously stated that Pakistan will not compete in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, which will be held in India following the Asia Cup.