A final decision on whether Pakistan will host the 2023 Asia Cup has been pushed to March, after an Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting in Bahrain failed to reach a breakthrough.
They will meet again in a month’s time, around the next set of ICC meetings.
The ACC issued the following statement in regards to Asia Cup 2023: “The ACC had a constructive dialogue on the upcoming Asia Cup 2023. The Board agreed to continue discussions on operations, timelines and any other specifics with a view to ensure the success of the tournament. An update on the matter would be taken on the next ACC Executive Board Meeting to be held in March 2023.”
The uncertainty around the 2023 Asia Cup began last October when BCCI secretary Jay Shah, in his capacity as ACC president, unilaterally announced that the 2023 Asia Cup will be held in a neutral venue because India cannot travel to Pakistan.
In reply, then Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ramiz Raja stated that if India does not participate in the tournament, then Pakistan would not participate in the ICC World Cup 2023, which India is hosting.
PCB assertions notwithstanding, it will surprise no one if ultimately it is the BCCI’s writ that prevails. After all, as the old adage goes: “He who pays the piper calls the tune.”
