In the midst of the ongoing Asia Cup venue hosting rights chaos, Pakistan Cricket (PCB) issued an update stating that India can play Pakistan and other teams at a neutral venue during the tournament.
During last week’s Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting in Dubai, the hosts of the tournament PCB came up with a proposal in which they stated that, India can play arch rivals Pakistan and other teams at a venue outside of Pakistan during the Asia Cup. ACC president Jay Shah, also the BCCI secretary, was present at the meeting, while Arun Dhumal, the IPL chairman, represented India. However, no decision has been taken yet about the venues for the India games. The BCCI had made it clear after last year’s Annual General Body Meeting that the Indian team will not travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup because the central government would not give clearance. “The proposal to play India games at a neutral venue (outside Pakistan) has been proposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board. They haven’t informed the BCCI about which the neutral venue will be. The ACC hasn’t taken any decision on it. It will be discussed during the next meeting. There are logistics and financial implications too. At the same time, we don’t know if the official broadcaster will agree to the move because they will need another crew in another country,” said an official who attended the meeting. Earlier, BCCI secretary Jay Shah said that India would not travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup. Following this, PCB chairman and former cricketer Ramiz Raja said that was the case, and Pakistan would not travel for the 50 over, World Cup to be held in India.
In addition, India and Pakistan have been grouped together for the Asia Cup and are expected to meet three times.