Sources in the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) on Monday said that they have not sent any proposal to the member nations regarding the postponement of the Asia Cup 2023. Can be played in same window in Dubai except Pakistan.
Earlier reports had claimed that if the PCB would not agree to play the Asia Cup at a neutral venue, the tournament could be moved away from the country.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has the hosting rights for the 2023 Asia Cup in ODI format, but BCCI secretary Jay Shah, who is also the president of the ACC, has made it clear that the Indian cricket team will not travel to Pakistan. ,
The PCB, on the other hand, has proposed hosting the Asia Cup on a ‘hybrid model’ where Pakistan plays its matches on home soil, while India plays at a neutral venue in Dubai.
“Messages have been exchanged but there has been no discussion or proposal regarding postponing the Asia Cup,” an ACC board member told PTI on the sidelines of the ICC meeting in Dubai.
“Secondly, if the Asia Cup is cancelled, the PCB will be informed first. Nothing has happened so far. The ACC president (Shah) has not put anything on record so far.
“To postpone or cancel the event, ACC will have to call an executive board meeting. The president (Shah) can call a meeting within seven days (virtual or physical). Till date, no information about any such meeting Is.” Source added.
The ACC source said that, to the best of their knowledge, the last official mail exchange between the PCB, the ACC and the BCCI was an invitation sent to the Indian team with assurances of the highest level of security and best hospitality.
“But in the current sensitive political climate it is difficult for India to visit Pakistan,” he agreed.
The other issue is the amount that the official broadcaster has committed to the telecast deals, which include at least two confirmed India-Pakistan games. If both teams reach the finals, the third game will be a bonanza.
“We must remember the media rights and the deal with Star Sports, who have paid millions for at least two matches of Pakistan vs India in the Asia Cup,” he added.
It is learned that while there were informal discussions among ACC members to host the tournament at a neutral venue, the source confirmed that the BCCI has got support from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).
“Look, if the Asia Cup is canceled after the ACC president calls an executive board meeting, it will not only impact Pakistan’s participation in the World Cup but also PCB’s FTP calendar and bilateral relations with Sri Lanka, Afghanistan or Bangladesh. Will have to
“The situation is still very fluid,” the source said.
(Inputs from PTI)