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In a big update, IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal on Wednesday, July 12 confirmed that the match between the arch-rivals India and Pakistan will be played in Sri Lanka in the upcoming Asia Cup. Additionally, he also confirmed that the Rohit Sharma-led side will not travel to Pakistan for the continental tournament, scheduled to take place from 31 August to 17 September.
This decision of IPL Chairman comes ahead of an ICC Chief Executive Meet (CEC) in Durban which will also included BCCI Secretary Jay Shah and PCB representative head Zaka Ashraf. The meeting scheduled to take place on Thursday, July 13, he confirmed that the Asia Cup 2023 schedule will also be finalised.
He nullified the rumours of India travelling to Pakistan and also emphasised that India and Pakistan will not play in Pakistan and the Rohit Sharma-led side will not travel to Pakistan, instead all their matches will be played in Sri Lanka. “Our secretary met PCB head Zaka Ashraf and the Asia Cup schedule was finalised and it is on course as it was discussed earlier. There will be four games of league stage in Pakistan, followed by 9 games in Sri Lanka including both India vs Pakistan and in case a third game if both teams play final,” Dhumal told PTI.
“There was no such discussion held. Neither India is travelling to Pakistan nor our secretary will be travelling contrary to reports that have surfaced. Only the schedule was finalised,” he further added.
It’s a good beginning: Zaka Ashraf
Zaka Ashraf, who replaced Najam Sethi at the helm of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) told the Pakistan media that it is a good beginning after his meeting with BCCI Secretary and IPL Chairman. “It’s a good beginning and there will be more meetings like this,” Ashraf told. “We have agreed to have more meetings and improve relations,” he added.
