Uncertainty over India hosting Asia Cup next year owing to political tension with Pakistan

With 2018 just around the corner, the Chief Executives of Asian Cricket Council (ACC) were supposed finalize the format, teams, and schedule for the next edition of the Asia Cup in a meeting earlier in November. However, the major issue of concern was regarding the venue. And the uncertainty over next year’s Asia Cup host still continues as the ACC meeting in Dubai could not decide on the fate of the tournament in India.

There were reports that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) could lose hosting rights for next year’s Asia Cup if it refuses to host Pakistan. Contradictorily some reports claim that they could withdraw from hosting the tournament. However, sources privy to the matter informed Geo.tv that there is no change in the tournament’s host.

The source was quoted saying, “Asia Cup 2018 was awarded last year to India, so far there is no change in status. BCCI has not yet received permission from the Indian government to host it. Neither has PCB gotten permission from the Pakistani government to play in India, hence the uncertainty persists.”

The current ruling party has been maintaining a hard stand on Pakistan

The BCCI has already written to the home ministry seeking permission to host the event but hasn’t received any response yet. 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 neighbours Pakistan and is not inclined to give the go-ahead for the tournament.

A source from PCB revealed that the board was also yet to receive a final word from the government on participating in a tournament being hosted in India. The tournament is slated to be played in September 2018.