Pakistan To Host Asia Cup, India Can Play At Neutral Venue: PCB

Pakistan Cricket Board CEO Wasim Khan on Saturday hinted that India’s league matches in the Asia Cup could be held at a neutral venue provided that the governing body gives the green light. With Pakistan adamant to host the Asia Cup on their soil, India are more than unlikely to travel to the country because of the tensed relationship.

There are murmurs that Pakistan might have to shift the tournament to another venue. However, Pakistan are in no mood to do that and the PCB CEO has now hinted that while the entire tournament will be held in their backyard, only India will play their games at a neutral venue. Wasim Khan said that the final call will rest on the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).

“The question is what if India doesn’t tour Pakistan? My response is the ACC then needs to make a decision but since we have been awarded hosting rights, we fully expect the Asia Cup to happen in Pakistan. The ACC will then need to make a decision as to where they will play the India games,” Khan said.

He further said that there is a possibility India could play their games at a neutral venue.

“Possibly. If there’s an India versus Pakistan final, it depends upon the ACC to decide where the final is played. Discussions haven’t taken place yet on formats and scheduling but then that’s ACC’s call,” said Wasim Khan.

He admitted that the current situation is not conducive for talks on bilateral cricket ties. 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.

“Sourav (Ganguly) is someone I have huge amount of respect for as a cricketer and as a human being. But no discussions so far… but we can have open discussions about things. There hasn’t been any ICC meetings of late so haven’t met anyone from the BCCI.”

“Now is not the right time and we understand that. But, hopefully, in the near future, we can do that,” he said.

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