There is a controversy surrounding the venue for this year’s Asia Cup, with reports suggesting that the tournament may proceed without Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has refused to send its team to Pakistan and has stated that the tournament should be held at a neutral venue.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) proposed a hybrid model to resolve the issue, suggesting that four group-stage matches could be hosted in Pakistan while the rest of the tournament takes place at a neutral venue. However, it is unlikely that the BCCI will accept this proposal.
According to The Telegraph India, there are discussions about relocating the Asia Cup to Sri Lanka instead of Pakistan. The report suggests that Pakistan will be informed at the next executive board meeting of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) that all other participating nations have agreed to play in Sri Lanka. If Pakistan decides not to participate, the tournament would include India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, with the possibility of a fifth team being considered.
Recently, a delegation from the International Cricket Council (ICC) visited Pakistan and declared it a peaceful country for sports. The delegation expressed satisfaction with Pakistan’s capability to host the 2025 Champions Trophy. They also expressed their intention to mediate between the PCB and the BCCI while seeking assurance from Pakistan regarding their participation in the upcoming World Cup.
The situation regarding the Asia Cup remains uncertain, with ongoing discussions and negotiations to find a resolution that satisfies all stakeholders involved.
