PCB Hands Over Asia Cup 2020 Hosting Rights To Sri Lanka

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has agreed terms to allow Sri Lanka to host Asia Cup 2020, according to various media reports. The Asia Cup 2020 was originally designated to be hosted by the PCB in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in September. However, a final decision is still to be taken on the Asian showpiece event, as it awaits a call on the 2020 T20 World Cup.

The impending decision on T20 World Cup could be taken today as the global governing council board members are set to meet. The T20 World Cup in Australia is slated to get underway in October but due to the lockdown situation enforced to withstand the Covid-19 pandemic it might be postponed to next year. To arrange the logistics beforehand will be major task for the global governing council due to the crisis situation.

PCB have agreed to our hosting this edition: SLC chief Shammi Silva

The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) chief Shammi Silva has said that the PCB has agreed to hand over the hosting rights to their board, considering the pandemic situation. He also said the ACC board meeting held on Tuesday, chaired by Bangladesh Cricket Board president Nazmul Hasan, gave a green light to the marquee Asian tournament.

“We had a discussion with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and they have already agreed to our hosting this edition due to the present world situation,” SLC chief Shammi Silva was quoted as saying by Sri Lankan media outlet Ceylon Today.

“We had an online ACC meeting and they basically gave us the green light to host the tournament,” he revealed.

The ACC has emphasised on hosting the tournament but deferred its decision probably hinting at the commencement of 2020 T20 World Cup.

“…the Board emphasised on the importance of holding the Asia Cup 2020. In light of the impact and consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, possible venue options for the Asia Cup 2020 were discussed and it was decided to take the final decision in due course,” an ACC press release stated after the meeting on Monday.