Asia Cup moved to Sri Lanka, Pakistan Cricket Board may boycott the event
Asian Cricket Council’s decision to move this year’s Asia Cup from Pakistan to Sri Lanka has dealt a major blow to Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has refused to send its team to Pakistan and has insisted that the tournament be held at a neutral venue. The decision was made in an informal meeting of the Asian Cricket Council, which voted Sri Lanka as the ideal destination to host the event. The move has received the support of Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka.
The final decision on the matter is expected to be announced by the end of May. In the event of the Asia Cup being moved, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may boycott the event this year. PCB had already offered a hybrid model for hosting the Asia Cup, according to which India’s matches alone would be hosted in Dubai. However, the BCCI did not agree to this model citing concerns of member boards and broadcasters.
Asia Cup is scheduled to take place in the 50-over format, which can serve as a useful preparation for the upcoming ICC World Cup in India. Despite this, the PCB has reportedly begun formulating a backup plan. According to trustworthy sources, the PCB is reluctant to organize the whole tournament at a neutral location as requested by the BCCI. If the Asia Cup does not take place, or if India arranges a five-nation competition as a substitute, Pakistan is anticipated to participate in a bilateral or triangular series to gear up for the ICC World Cup in India.
Regarding this matter, the PCB has initiated contact with several cricket boards. They are currently exploring the possibility of organizing a bilateral or triangular series during the Asia Cup window in case the event gets canceled or moved. South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ireland, and West Indies are among the teams being considered for this series. The Future Tours Program indicates that South Africa and Zimbabwe will have free schedules during the Asia Cup window in September. South Africa is set to host Australia from August 30 to September 17 for three T20Is and five ODIs, after which they will be available until the World Cup in India. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, has no scheduled series in September.
It is worth mentioning that Zimbabwe is scheduled to play World Cup qualifiers at their home in June-July. During the Asia Cup window, Australia, New Zealand, and England have busy schedules. In contrast, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan will be occupied if India sets up a five-nation tournament.
The decision to move the Asia Cup from Pakistan to Sri Lanka comes as a major disappointment for Pakistan, which has been facing challenges in hosting international events. In recent years, Pakistan has been forced to play its home matches in the UAE due to security concerns. Despite the country’s efforts to provide a secure environment for cricket, international teams have been reluctant to tour Pakistan.
The move also highlights the strained relationship between India and Pakistan, which has spilled over into the world of sports. The two countries have not played a bilateral series since 2012 due to political tensions. The BCCI has refused to send its team to Pakistan citing security concerns, and has insisted that all matches between the two countries be played at a neutral venue.
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Pakistan’s decision to offer a hybrid model for hosting the Asia Cup highlights the country’s eagerness to promote cricket in the region. However, the BCCI’s decision to reject the proposal shows that there are still concerns about the security situation in the country.
The move to shift the Asia Cup to Sri Lanka also highlights the challenges facing the region’s cricketing nations. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the cricketing calendar, with several series and events being canceled or postponed. The financial impact of the pandemic has also affected the cricket boards, which have been forced to cut costs and find new revenue streams.
