‘Bahut Ajeeb lagega bhai’ – Fans in splits over the prospects of England hosting India-Pakistan Asia Cup matches
The Asia Cup for this year is likely to be played in Pakistan. The Indian Cricket Board and the Pakistan Cricket Board were at loggerheads initially. But they have appeared to have brokered an understanding. According to reports, the games involving India and Pakistan will be played at neutral venues. The venues have not been zeroed in but, the likes of Oman, UAE, England and Sri Lanka could host five games.
This includes 2 games featuring India and Pakistan. With regards to the groups, India and Pakistan have been put together in the same group along with a qualifier. The multilateral tournament will feature six teams. It will be held in the 50 over format and is likely to take place in the first half-of September. The other group consists of Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Thirteen games will be played in thirteen days inclusive of the final.
India and Pakistan could face each other thrice in the Asia Cup
Top two sides from each group will make their way into the Super 4s. The top two teams will play the final. Like always, there is the mouthwatering possibility of India playing Pakistan thrice. To conjure up the travel itinerary, a small committee has been formed. The same will be intimated to all the countries. Conversations will also be held with the broadcaster before taking the final call.
The UAE has hosted Asia Cup editions before in both formats. It hosted the 50 over Asia Cup in 2018. The 20-over Asia Cup was hosted in 2022. Oman has hosted the 20-20 World Cup qualifiers and also a season of Legends League Cricket. In Oman, the temperatures are low. But in the UAE, it has hosted the Indian T20 League even in high temperatures. The weather becomes a condition while considering the second venue.
The situation was very tense sometime back when Jay Shah had declared that India will not travel to Pakistan. He said the Asia Cup will be held at a neutral venue. Pakistan then threatened to pull out of the tournament themselves. The PCB also said that if India do not travel to Pakistan, then Pakistan will not play the 2023 World Cup in India.
Let us take a look at the reactions on Twitter:
England still making profits from the investment they did in 1947💰💰🤑🤑
— Aman verma (@AmanAmanv99) March 23, 2023
So pakistan will play us outside their home in an event that is hosted by them, peak emberessment for them
— Dev vora (@Devvora15) March 23, 2023
L to u @BCCI
Isse acha ya to Pakistan me pura tournament ho
Ya phr Pakistan se bahar pura
Ye kya hum duniya ghumne nikle h 😡— Nisha (@nishnaik789) March 23, 2023
UAE me nhi hone chahiye yr
Warna Toss jeeto, Match jeeto 😄— Bhanu (@PDheerawat) March 23, 2023
Asia cup m bhi England ka attachment East India ki yaad aa rhi pic.twitter.com/qxuXBbwjLq
— SxTH (@ae_SETH_etic) March 23, 2023
All this is going to burn a hole in PCB's coffers. With some matches being held in Pakistan, Indian sponsors would back out. With limited monetary resources, Pakistan would need to manage the expenses of flying teams in and out of Pakistan every second game. Doesn't look feasible
— Sagar Kane (@gf8E2Io4gxEXA3P) March 23, 2023
Asia cup has lost its dominance now,its better to play a triangular or quadrangular series involving india,Australia,england,newzealand or south africa on a rotational basis as these r the top 4-5 teams in international cricket nd would be a major source of revenue to the boards.
— Vipin Jain 🇮🇳(modiji ka parivaar) (@vj17061985) March 24, 2023
Eng??
Utna dur baki koi board nhi jane wala
Ye fir uae me hoga yar
Isse acha sri Lanka me hi kara lo— R (@Thunder3108) March 23, 2023
This is absolute nonsense. Imagine, Pakistan being the hosts, will play India, outside their own country. Completely agree that Pakistan is not safe for the Indian team to travel, but this is a joke. Better boycott the series.
— Ashish Jha (@DareToZlaataan) March 23, 2023
I think india ke matchs uae me hon gyn
— crickwick (@MaazAli20887235) March 23, 2023
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