KOLKATA: Pakistan, technically the hosts of the next Asia Cup, have agreed to “host” the tournament at a neutral venue. That was the condition the “Big Daddy” of world cricket India set for participating in the biennial tournament.
“Asia Cup will be held in Dubai and both India and Pakistan will play,” BCCI president Sourav Ganguly told reporters at the Eden Gardens on Friday.
Even as Ganguly was speaking “on behalf” of the Pakistan Cricket Board, which, as mentioned, technically holds the hosting rights, PCB chairman Ehsan Mani clarified to the Indian Express that Dubai is NOT the only alternate venue to hold the Asia Cup.
“The Asia Cup is organized for the benefit of the Associate Members. We will take a decision keeping that in mind. A final decision will be taken bearing in mind the interests of all the Asian countries. We have a few options,” Mani told the daily.
Whether in Dubai or elsewhere, the event will likely be held in September.
India and Pakistan last played in the ICC World Cup 2019 where the Men in Blue came out triumphant by 89 runs.
