As per the latest updates, it appears that the cricket boards of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have thrown their weight behind the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in its efforts to shift this year’s Asia Cup away from Pakistan. Furthermore, insiders have revealed that both these nations have expressed a keen desire to play host to the prestigious continental tournament, should it be relocated from Pakistan.
India abstaining fro sending team to Pakistan
The Indian cricket board’s firm stance on refusing to send its team to Pakistan for the upcoming Asia Cup has prompted their eagerness to ensure the event is held at a neutral location. In the event that Pakistan decides against participating in the Asia Cup, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has reportedly contemplated the possibility of replacing them with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Jay Shah, the president of ACC and secretary of BCCI, has reassured broadcasters that any financial losses incurred due to Pakistan’s absence will be duly compensated during an upcoming India-centric series. Sources reveal that the Indian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has advised the BCCI to adopt an unwavering stance during the next ACC meeting.
Additionally, the BCCI appears disinclined to accept the proposed hybrid model suggested by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which would have permitted India to play their matches at a neutral venue.
PCB Chairman wants middle ground
The ongoing crisis that poses a threat to the successful hosting of the Asia Cup and Pakistan’s participation in the ODI World Cup has called for a more rational approach, according to Najam Sethi, the chairman of the PCB Management Committee. Speaking to the media during a National Assembly Standing Committee on Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) meeting, Sethi emphasised the low likelihood of the Pakistan team travelling to India for the ODI World Cup.
He further stated that if India declines to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, the Pakistan government may prohibit the Men in Green from crossing the borders for their World Cup participation, ultimately resulting in cricket being the ultimate victim. In Sethi’s opinion, there needs to be a middle ground to resolve issues that could potentially disrupt the seamless hosting of ICC and ACC events.
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