The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly concerned about the possible postponement or cancellation of the upcoming Asia Cup. In case the tournament does not go ahead as planned, the PCB is considering hosting a tri-nation series involving the UAE and Afghanistan. Discussions with both boards have already been initiated. The Asia Cup is scheduled to be held in September, with India designated as the official host.
Uncertainty Surrounding Asia Cup
As per the hybrid model accepted earlier this year ahead of the Champions Trophy, Pakistan will not travel to India for the Asia Cup. With uncertainty looming over the tournament’s organization, the PCB has started talks with the Afghanistan Cricket Board. Afghanistan is also scheduled to tour Pakistan for a limited-overs series in August.
According to a source from the PCB quoted by news agency PTI, worsening relations between India and Pakistan have made it unlikely that the Asia Cup will take place in India as planned. As a result, the PCB is working on an alternative proposal for a tri-nation series. If the Asia Cup is shifted to the UAE, Pakistan could instead play a tri-series with Afghanistan and UAE in Dubai in August, replacing Afghanistan’s planned tour of Pakistan.
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The source stated that the PCB is already in discussions with both cricket boards to organize the series. “If the Asia Cup is cancelled or postponed, the PCB wants Afghanistan and UAE to play a tri-series in Pakistan in August,” the source added.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the current President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), is expected to convene a meeting soon to make a decision on the Asia Cup. The source also noted that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not yet officially confirmed its willingness to host the tournament on home soil. The final decision on the future of the T20-format Asia Cup now rests with the ACC.
