The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has seemingly found a way to keep the hosting rights of Asia Cup 2023. The BCCI had already informed the PCB that it won’t be sending the Men in Blue to Pakistan for the continental tournament.
With PCB keen to host the tournament, the board has found a solution and India will be part of Asia Cup.
As per ESPNcricinfo, India’s matches will be played at a neutral venue. The report adds that England is one of the contenders which can host India’s fixtures. It is to be noted that India and Pakistan will square off twice in the tournament and both the marquee matches could be played in England.
Apart from England, UAE, Oman and Sri Lanka are contenders to host the Asia Cup. Sri Lanka will enter the tournament as defending champion.
This year, the Asia Cup will return to the 50- over format. In 2022, the tournament was played in a T20 format to prepare the teams for the T20 World Cup that started a month after the Asian tournament. With a 50-over World Cup to be played after the Asia Cup, the tournament will be played in the 50-over format.
India won the previous 50-over Asia Cup played in 2018. The BCCI was slated to host the tournament but it was played in UAE. The Indian board continued to hold the hosting rights.
With India refusing to tour Pakistan for Asia Cup, it remains to be seen if the Men in Green will land in India for the 2023 World Cup or not. The PCB had threatened to boycott the ICC event. A clear picture regarding Pakistan’s status will be known in the next few months.
The ACC is yet to announce the fixtures of the Asia Cup. The tournament is likely to be played in September.