Asia Cup 2023 Set to be Played Without Pakistan
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is playing hardball, and as a result, it looks likely that the 2023 Asia Cup will not include Pakistan. Despite the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) managing to convince other Asian nations, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, who is also the head of Asian Cricket Council (ACC), is preparing plans for the tournament to take place without the presence of Babar Azam & Co. A final decision is expected this week.
BCCI Playing Hardball with PCB
The BCCI has strong ties with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), and as such has vetoed PCB’s efforts to host the tournament. At the next ACC meeting, PCB chief Najam Sethi will be made aware of the BCCI’s stance. It is highly unlikely that Pakistan will be able to host the Asia Cup, and the BCCI is also taking steps to ensure that the Champions Trophy is also shifted away from the country. As it stands, Sri Lanka is likely to be the host of the tournament.
Conclusion
It appears that the 2023 Asia Cup is set to be played without Pakistan, as the BCCI is not relenting to PCB’s efforts. The next ACC meeting will make the PCB aware of the BCCI’s stance, and a final decision is expected this week. Sri Lanka is likely to be the host of the tournament, with the BCCI also taking steps to ensure that the Champions Trophy is shifted away from Pakistan.