Asia Cup; Pakistan agrees to play in three Indian venues
Sports Desk/
This year’s Asia Cup is organized by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). As hosts, Pakistan wanted to host the tournament at home.
But the neighboring country India made it clear that they will not go to Pakistan to play the Asia Cup. That is why Pakistan proposes a ‘hybrid model’.
The proposal said that India’s games would be played at a neutral venue and the rest of the country’s games would be played in Pakistan. India did not agree to this proposal. They want to take away Pakistan’s Asia Cup hosting rights.
Doubts arose about Pakistan’s participation in the ODI World Cup to be held in India due to the drama over the Asia Cup.
PCB has warned that Pakistan will not participate in ODI World Cup if India does not participate in Asia Cup. However, this time they are flexible from their position. The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced the names of three preferred venues for the upcoming ODI World Cup.
Babar-Rizwan will go to India to play the World Cup if they get the green signal from the Pakistan government. Although Pakistan has agreed to play the World Cup in Ahmedabad, it is not willing to play any match except the knockout stage and the final.
PCB wants to avoid Ahmedabad venue due to security issues. The PCB has informed the ICC that they have no objection to playing in Kolkata, Chennai and Bangalore.
The ICC President and General Manager recently visited Pakistan to resolve the issues related to Asia Cup and World Cup.
According to a PCB source, Najam Sethi has made it clear to the ICC president that Pakistan will not play any matches in Ahmedabad except the knockout stage matches and the finals.
The PCB chairman also requested the ICC president to give their matches in Kolkata, Chennai and Bangalore.