Asia Cup is scheduled to be played in a span of less than a year and the Chief Executives of Asian Cricket Council (ACC) have set up a meeting in Singapore on November 18 to finalize the format, teams, and schedule for the event to get more clarity over the venue.

Technically, it is the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is supposed host the tournament but the board is yet to get the go-ahead from the Government of India, considering Pakistan is also supposed to visit India for the tournament.

As quoted in Mumbai Mirror, a senior BCCI official said, “We’re getting ready for it and the rest is up to the Government.” It has also been learned that the BCCI has already applied for seeking permission to host the event to the home ministry but is yet to receive any response. The efforts to get direct information from the government have been fruitless as no government official or even the sports ministry is ready to address the possible solution to the current dilemma.

The permission to host the tournament with Pakistan’s inclusion seems even more difficult considering the timing. Asia Cup is supposed to take place in the month of September next year which isn’t too far from the general elections.

In the meeting in Singapore, they might discuss the alternative plans for the tournament which is expected to be held in 50-50 format. The last edition of the tournament, which was held in Bangladesh, was a T20 tournament.

It has also been learned that the Independence Cup featuring India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will take place in March next year in the T20 format. The tentative dates for the tournament are from March 3to 27, with a total of seven games to take place.