The BCCI has announced that India will not attend the 2023 Asia Cup in Pakistan, after the 2019 tournament was relocated out of UAE. The decision has been met with criticism by the PCB, who say it could have implications for the upcoming World Cup. While India won’t be playing at home this time, they still face off against Pakistan at MCG on Sunday in a T20 showdown.
Secretary of BCCI, Jay Shah, told reporters on Tuesday that India will not be traveling to Pakistan next year due to political tensions between the two countries.
Before India hosts the World Cup in October and November of 2023, Pakistan will host its first Asia Cup since 2008. The Asia Cup will be held at a neutral location, according to Shah, who is also head of the Asia Cricket Council (ACC), the organization that oversees the competition. He stated: “This is what I’m saying as ACC president. They cannot come here, and neither can we [India]. The Asia Cup has historically taken place at a neutral site. A neutral location will host the Asia Cup in 2023.”
The comments made by the ACC president Mr. Jay Shah on moving the Asia Cup to a neutral venue for next year were noted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) with surprise and dismay.
“The comments were made without any discussion with the Asian Cricket Council Board or the Pakistan Cricket Board, or any consultation with them, and without any consideration of their long-term ramifications or repercussions.