Pakistan’s fight for hosting the upcoming Asia Cup 2023 gets tougher with reports suggesting Sri Lanka and Bangladesh deciding to side with BCCI’s decision of not sending Team India for the tournament. Amidst the political troubles between India and Pakistan, the BCCI had put forth a stance stating that the Men in Blue will not travel to Pakistan for the continental tournament.
Countering this decision, a proposal for the Indian team to play its Asia Cup games in a neighbouring country was floated which is yet to be approved by the ACC. But the Pakistan Cricket Board hasn’t been happy with this call. Going back to the latest development, as per Pakistan’s Geo News, the SLC and BCB have shown their interest in conducting the Asia Cup 2023 as a multi-nation Asian event if it is moved out of Pakistan.
Further talking about this situation, PCB chief Najam Sethi continues to hold the stance that Pakistan might not participate in the 2023 World Cup if India refuses to travel to Pakistan to compete in the 2023 Asia Cup. Speaking to Geo TV, Sethi said, "In case, India refuses to travel to Pakistan to compete in the Asia Cup, chances are there that the Pakistan government would not allow the Men in Green to cross the borders for their World Cup participation. In that case, cricket will be the ultimate sufferer.”
He continued, "There should be a middle way to solve problems that surely threaten the smooth hosting of ICC and ACC events. In case, India refuses to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, the government will not allow us to travel to India to figure in the World Cup matches.”
Another key development around this issue has been a report about PCB chief Najam Sethi demanding a documented guarantee from BCCI secretary Jay Shah over Team India’s participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan before sending their team for the 2023 World Cup.
