Breaking: Asia Cup 2023 to get cancelled after India reject Pakistan’s new proposal- Here’s What PCB is Thinking

The dark clouds over Asia Cup 2023 continue to hover with a latest report claiming that cancelling the tournament is a real possibility now since the deadlock between BCCI and Pakistan Cricket Board over the venue continues.

The hosting of the Asia Cup has been a heavily discussed topic in recent weeks, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remaining firm in their positions. With Pakistan scheduled to host the Asia Cup in September 2023, the hybrid model of the tournament where the Indian team would play their matches outside of Pakistan has reportedly been rejected as well.

PCB had proposed a hybrid model after BCCI secretary Jay Shah cited refusal of go-ahead from the Indian government to send its team for this year’s Asia Cup in Pakistan.

If the PCB doesn’t its stance, the Continental Cup is likely to get cancelled.

On the other hand, PCB doesn’t want to host the tournament at a neutral venue, a move proposed by the BCCI. Sri Lanka and the UAE were suggested as possible venues, but Pakistan has firmly rejected the suggestion.

Notably, two weeks ago, Jay Shah said that the council has been waiting for inputs from respective participating countries in order to reach a final decision regarding the venue for the Asia Cup.

“We are awaiting feedback from other nations to finalise the venue for the 2023 Asia Cup and clarity on the India-Pakistan match,” Shah was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.

BCCI reportedly looking to plan a five-nation tournament

The BCCI is also prepared for the potential cancellation of the Asia Cup. The board has reportedly been planning for a brand new five-nation tournament that could take place in the window that would be vacated by the Asia Cup, given that it is cancelled in the future.

The idea of the hybrid model of the tournament that was put forth by the PCB looked to be the solution to the discord between both boards. However, the same does not seem to be the case anymore. With the BCCI secretary, Jay Shah, reportedly showing interest in the model when it was first introduced, he seems to have now opposed it.

With PCB worrying over the public reaction to the Asia Cup’s cancellation, it could hinder their plans for the upcoming ODI World Cup as well, which is scheduled for the later stages of 2023.