Reports: Sri Lanka and Bangladesh back BCCI to move Asia Cup 2023 out of Pakistan

The controversy around hosting nation for the Asia Cup 2023 doesn’t seem to end as both India and Pakistan have been at loggerheads in deciding the venue of the continental tournament. While BCCI secretary Jay Shah has clearly mentioned that India will not be travelling to Pakistan for the tournament, PCB chairman Najam Sethi has threatened to not travel to India for ODI World Cup, which is scheduled for later this year in retaliation.

In a new development, both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are reportedly backing BCCI to move Asia Cup out of Pakistan. The report further suggests that both countries are even willing to host the tournament if the hosting rights are taken away from Pakistan.

According to a report in Geo News, if Pakistan denies to participate in the tournament, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) could also consider replacing them in the event with United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Jay Shah, who is also the president of ACC, has even promised the broadcasters that any loss incurred by them due to Pakistan’s absence will be compensated with an India series in the near future.

Earlier, there were reports of the tournament taking place in a hybrid model where all of India’s matches will be played at a neutral venue including the final if they qualify for the same.

However, as per recent reports BCCI have rejected the hybrid model proposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and has been asked by the Indian government to adopt a strict stance during the next ACC meeting.