The organizing of the Asia Cup 2023 has triggered a tussle between the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), the BCCI and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). ACC chief Jay Shah, who is also the BCCI secretary, had already said last year that the Indian senior men’s team would not travel to Pakistan due to security concerns, adding that the multi-nation tournament would be played at a neutral venue. Shah’s words were not welcomed by the PCB and chief Najam Sethi reiterated that Pakistan will not travel to India for the World Cup later this year if the men in blue do not travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023.
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Amidst the ongoing ruckus, Sethi has come up with an interesting suggestion for the venue. Speaking with Sports Hour, the PCB chief said that the tournament could be held in the United Kingdom, adding that being the hosts it is Pakistan’s choice as to where the tournament can be held.
Sethi said in a conversation on Sports Hour, ‘England could be a possibility as a venue for the Asia Cup.’
Earlier, in a recent interview given to the news agency PTI, Sethi strongly said that if India comes to Pakistan, then his national team will not have any problem in playing in any Indian city including Ahmedabad. The Jay Shah-led ACC recently rejected the ‘hybrid model’, which Sethi feels is the only viable solution till India and Pakistan start playing against each other in their respective countries.
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“The two most important revenue-generating members of the ACC are India and Pakistan. It is their matches that bring in 80 per cent of the broadcast rights. If Pakistan does not play the Asia Cup, then the broadcaster ie Star will have problems.
Further reacting to reports claiming Narendra Modi Stadium to host India vs Pakistan match in World Cup 2023, Sethi said, “All I said is that nobody from BCCI asked us anything about Ahmedabad Is. For some strange reason, it’s putting the cart before the horse. You are asking me whether we will play in Ahmedabad or not but I am telling you, the real question is whether we will play in India or not. If India plays in Pakistan, we will play in India. But if India doesn’t play in Pakistan then why should we play in India?”
“So my solution was, India vs Pakistan matches should be played at a neutral venue. That is all. You can’t have your cake and eat it too.”
