As India took a hard position against hosting the Asia Cup in Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is also exploring possibilities to adopt a hybrid format for the ICC World Cup, which is slated to take place in India in October-November.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shamelessly informed the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) that they will not travel to Pakistan for the Asian tournament, alleging problems with clearance from their government.
The PCB has avoided playing its World Cup matches in India this year in response to their reluctance. ESPNcricinfo reports that discussions have started over a neutral site for games against Pakistan at the ICC World Cup. Bangladesh is probably going to end up serving as Pakistan's neutral venue.
"The concept was discussed outside of the board meetings in Dubai, where Pakistan's participation in the World Cup and India's participation in the Asia Cup were both topics of discussion.
"The PCB has been keen to point out that India not playing in Pakistan for an Asia Cup has a potential impact on the ICC Champions Trophy, due to be held in Pakistan in February 2025, but it has only been mentioned as an option and no formal discussions have taken place on the matter, "the website for cricket reported.
It should be mentioned that England, the UAE, Oman, Sri Lanka, and even Sri Lanka are candidates to host India games during the 2023 Asia Cup. If India qualifies, both the final and the India-Pakistan matches will take place at a neutral site. In the Asian competition, the two bitter rivals will square off at least twice.
Sri Lanka hosted the Asia Cup (T20 format) in the UAE the previous year. Due to its economic situation, the island nation was unable to organise the event there. The competition, which will be contested in a 50-over style this year, will aid in the teams' World Cup preparation.
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