Reports suggest that the cricket boards of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have teamed up with the BCCI to object to India’s decision to not send their team to Pakistan for the 2023 Asia Cup in September.
This comes after the PCB president hinted that Pakistan might not participate in the World Cup if India fails to tour Pakistan for the Asia Cup. In an interview with Geo TV, Sethi made this remark.
“In case, India refuses to travel to Pakistan to compete in the Asia Cup, chances are there that the Pakistan government would not allow the Men in Green to cross the borders for their World Cup participation. In that case, cricket will be the ultimate sufferer.”
He continued:
“There should be a middle way to solve problems that surely threaten the smooth hosting of ICC and ACC events. In case, India refuses to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, the government will not allow us to travel to India to figure in the World Cup matches.”
PCB requests written assurance from BCCI for their involvement in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Before sending their squad to the 2023 World Cup, PCB head Najam Sethi has requested a written assurance from BCCI secretary Jay Shah on team India’s participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
As per PTI, BCCI has selected Ahmedabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata for Indo-Pak games.
According to Geo TV, Sethi is meeting officials of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Asian Cricket Council (ACC). He is likely to return to Pakistan on May 11.
Meanwhile, the ACC is expected to make a final decision on the Asia Cup 2023. According to the planned hybrid format, India will host their games in the UAE, while Pakistan will host the remaining games.
The continental cup will include Pakistan, India, Nepal, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.