There won't be a truncated IPL just to host an Asia Cup: Reports

For the past few days, there have been reports emerging on the internet that the Asia Cup 2020 will be played in Sri Lanka. There were reports that Pakistan and Sri Lanka have mutually agreed to swap the hosting rights for this edition. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India have expressed their surprise over the reports.

According to the reports, the BCCI denied being in talks with the other Asian boards in having the Asia Cup. The reports had come after an ACC (Asian Cricket Council) meeting last week. After the meeting, SLC chief Shammi Silva had in fact confirmed that his board have been talks with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for arranging the tournament.

“They have already agreed to our hosting this edition due to the present world situation. We had an online ACC meeting and they basically gave us the green light to host the tournament,” Silva was quoted as saying.

There won’t be a truncated IPL just to host an Asia Cup: A BCCI official

However, a BCCI official has denied having any knowledge regarding this. In fact, the anonymous official has stated that no such decision was taken at the meeting. “We have no idea where such reports are coming from and we’re surprised how fast these reports travel. The BCCI is clear that no decision was taken at the ACC meeting. The Board (BCCI) is tired of giving out these clarifications,” the BCCI official said, as reported by Yahoo cricket.

The BCCI official also made it clear that the 13th edition of IPL won’t be shortened because of the Asia Cup. The 2020 edition of the Asia Cup is supposed to be played in a T20 format. “Let’s be clear about that first. There won’t be a truncated IPL just to host an Asia Cup. Those thinking on such lines are clearly not speaking in India’s interests and the BCCI will not be a party to it,” sources added.

The source further clarified that IPL would make a lot of money instead of an Asia Cup. He also pointed out that the 2019 edition of the World Cup was a failure in terms of broadcasting. The official also clarified that it will be in the best interest of BCCI to host an IPL.