The Indian cricket team will not travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup next year, BCCI secretary Jay Shah announced on Tuesday, days before the neighbours clash in a World T20 group match in Melbourne.
“The Asia Cup 2023 will be held at a neutral venue,” Shah said after the BCCI’s annual general meeting. “I am saying this as the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president. We can’t go to Pakistan... Asia Cup has been played at a neutral venue, it is not unprecedented.”
The 2022 edition of the Asia Cup, originally allotted to Sri Lanka, was held in the UAE.
Hosting it at a neutral venue is prudent since India’s travelling to Pakistan is not in the Board’s hands. “It’s a government decision, it’s better to shift it to a neutral venue,” a BCCI office-bearer said.
A Pakistan board spokesperson termed it as “surprising and disappointing”.
The ACC hasn’t met to take a decision. Doubts have also been cast over Pakistan’s participation in next year’s ODI World Cup in India.
Pakistan are also scheduled to host the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and serious questions could be raised about both countries’ hosting rights. The matter could be discussed during the ICC meeting in Melbourne next month.
