PCB Declares Asia Cup To Go Ahead As Planned; Sri Lanka Or UAE To Play As Hosts

Updated - 24 Jun 2020, 01:41 PM

PCB, BCB, One-off ODI
PCB (Credits - Twitter)

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed its take on the taking place of Asia Cup this year as the COVID-19 has thrown the cricketing calendar into confusion. The PCB has declared that Asia Cup would go ahead this year either in Sri Lanka or UAE as scheduled. Currently, the Pakistan national team is preparing to depart for England where they are slated to play three Tests and three T20Is.

Also Read: “Take The Virus Seriously”: Shahid Afridi Appeals To Pakistan After 10 Players Test Positive

Pakistan, who initially were booked to host the Asia Cup, might not do the same due to rising cases of COVID-19. On the other hand, amongst Asian nations, Sri Lanka has remained one of the safest ones while India is gradually developing as the epicentre. Hence, the island nation has emerged one of the strongest contenders to host the 2020 edition of Asia Cup.

Wasim Khan
Wasim Khan. (Image Courtesy: Getty)

At a media conference in Karachi, Wasim Khan stated confidently that Asia Cup would take place as planned. According to him, with the Pakistan team returning from England on the 2nd of September, the competition could go ahead the same month or the next. Khan further mentioned that if Sri Lanka doesn’t get ready, they have UAE as an option too.

The Asia Cup will go ahead. The Pakistan team returns from England on 2nd September so we can have the tournament in September or October. There are some things which will only get clear in the due course of time. We are hopeful of having the Asia Cup because Sri Lanka has not had too many cases of the Coronavirus. If they can’t do it, then UAE is also ready,” Khan said as quoted by India Today.

We are to go to New Zealand in December after hosting Zimbabwe at home: PCB

Pakistan
Pakistan. (Credits: Twitter)

PCB’s CEO Wasim Khan brushed aside any possibilities of IPL taking place instead of Asia Cup while hosting certain teams if the T20 World Cup does not take place in October-November as planned.

We are to go to New Zealand in December after hosting Zimbabwe at home. South Africa are ready to tour in January-February to play two or three Tests and some T20 matches,” he added.

Also Read: Jofra Archer To Undergo COVID-19 Test Before Joining England Camp

Tagged:

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Sri Lanka national cricket team United Arab Emirates