Sri Lanka Likely to Host Cricket Asia Cup 2023
Sri Lanka is likely to host Cricket Asia Cup 2023 due to extreme conditions in UAE. Cricket Asia Cup matches may be held in Dambulla and Pallekele because September is the rainy season in Colombo.
Pakistan may boycott the tournament if the Asia Cup 2023 venue is removed. Even their participation in the World Cup will be questioned. Because ODI World Cup will be held in October-November this year in India.
The India-Pakistan political conflict is not unknown to anyone. The rivalry between them has had an impact on the cricket arena since a century ago. The bilateral series between the two countries has no reputation. This time they have made a mistake in organizing the Asia Cup.
This tournament is scheduled to be held in Pakistan. But India does not want to play there at all. Because that is political security. BCCI Secretary Jai Shah has already said this. And so the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is thinking of hosting the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka instead of Pakistan.
ACC expects the venue to be finalized by the end of this month. But if this happens, Pakistan may boycott the tournament.
PCB has been showing great interest in organizing this tournament. Even the ACC has received assurances of assistance from other member states. However, BCCI rejected the offer to go to Pakistan due to security issues. The PCB advises them that only India’s matches will be played in Dubai, while the rest of the country’s matches will be played in Pakistan.
However, the organization in charge of broadcasting the tournament is very hesitant about such a proposal. Moreover, in the month of September, there is a cricket tournament in the United Arab Emirates. Already, the other boards have given reservations to play there 1 month before the ODI World Cup.
Recently, in a meeting of ACC, it is known that Oman may be offered to host the Asia Cup. However, considering the conditions, Sri Lanka is ahead in all aspects. Dubai hosted the Asia Cup in September 2018. BCCI organized IPL 2020 in UAE. However, the cricketers had to gain speed to play this tournament in the 2nd phase of the summer.
Sri Lanka won the last edition of the Asia Cup last year. Asia Cup was organized in T20 format keeping in mind the 2022 T20 World Cup. However, whether this year’s Asia Cup will be 20 or 50 over, ACC will decide after understanding the schedule of ICC.
Earlier, the last 50-over Asia Cup was held in the United Arab Emirates. India beat Bangladesh in the final in Dubai to become the champion. The Asia Cup is likely to be held from September 2-17.
If Pakistan gets confirmation, Asia Cup will be organized with 6 teams. Apart from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan, Nepal has won the ACC Premier Cup and qualified for the main stage.
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