Blow For India As ACC Leaves Decision To Host Asia Cup On Pakistan

In a major blow to Team India’s hopes of defending their Asia Cup title, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has reportedly left the final decision of hosting the tournament on Pakistan. With Pakistan being the host of the competition, India are more than unlikely to visit the country.

The bilateral relation between the two neighbours is at an all time low right now. India and Pakistan have not played a full bilateral Test series since 2007 when Pakistan visited India for three Tests and five One-Day Internationals.

They played a short series of three ODIs and two T20s in India in December 2012, but otherwise, both have faced each other only in the ICC organised events or the Asia Cup. India last played on Pakistan soil in 2008. The Mumbai terror attack later that year meant the tour turned out to be India’s last visit to the country. The bilateral ties became worse last year after the Pulwama attack in February.

Also Read: BCCI Threatens To Boycott Asia Cup If It Is Held In Pakistan

Thus it is not at all surprising that India are unlikely to visit Pakistan. Recent reports suggested that the tournament might be shifted to a neutral venue in order to ensure that the Men in Blue play the Asia Cup. However, latest reports are suggesting otherwise.

According to ANI, the ACC has left the decision of hosting the competition on Pakistan who have been awarded the hosting rights. ACC will have a meeting next month to discuss about the venue but it looks like, Pakistan will have the final say.

“ACC will have a meeting sometime in February to discuss issues related to the hosting of the Asia Cup this year. This year Pakistan is the host so it is Pakistan’s call if they want to host the tournament or not,” an ACC source told the news outlet.

Pakistan have made it clear that they are adamant to host the tournament as they desperately try to bring back international cricket in their backyard in full swing. The likes of West Indies, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have visited them in recent times and hosting the Asia Cup successfully would help them to convince more nations to visit Pakistan.