Jay Shah BCCI Secretary Says that the Decision About Asia Cup Venue Will Be Taken After the IPL Final
The hosting rights for Asia Cup this year is with Pakistan. However, BCCI has decided to not send the Indian cricket team to the neighboring country without the permission of the government. Najam Sethi, the chairman of PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) has brought ahead a suggestion of a hybrid model that allows them to organize four games at least on home soil, and then India can play their games at a neutral venue.
There is no confirmation yet if a formal invitation to Sethi has been made to come to watch the IPL final. Jay Shah said that no final decisions have been taken regarding the hosting of the Asia Cup because they are occupied with the IPL tournament for the moment. Also, top dignitaries of Bangladesh and Afghanistan Cricket Board, as well as that of Sri Lanka Cricket will be present to watch the final of the IPL. Thus, only in due course, it is possible to take a final decision after discussions.
The hybrid model by Sethi may seem like a great solution. But there are no official statements by ACC on it. As per the model, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan may play the qualifying four matches in Pakistan. But India will only play their matches at neutral venues. For instance, the two games between India and Pakistan can be played in Sri Lanka.
But as per Pakistan Cricket Board, the venue for it should be Dubai. In September, the weather in the UAE is not suitable for a 50-overs match. However, if they want to make the hybrid model sound logistically, then a better option for ACC is UAE.