The Asia Cup schedule and venue in Pakistan have been the subject of much speculation and conflicting reports. While the “hybrid model” was agreed upon by the former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Najam Sethi and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), the Sports Minister of Pakistan does not seem to be on the same page as the nation’s cricketing body.
There have been reports that BCCI secretary Jay Shah has agreed to travel to Pakistan to watch the Asia Cup, while PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf has confirmed that he will travel to India for the ODI World Cup. However, BCCI official Arun Dhumal has denied these reports, saying that there was no such discussion held.
Dhumal confirmed that Jay Shah and Zaka Ashraf met in Durban to discuss the Asia Cup, but only the schedule was finalized. He said that four games of the Asia Cup will be held in Pakistan, while nine will take place in Sri Lanka.
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India and Pakistan are expected to take on each other twice in the Asia Cup. If the two teams qualify for the final, there would be a third encounter, which would also be held in Sri Lanka. In the case where the Indian team is not in the final, the title decider would likely be held in Pakistan.
Jay Shah agreed to Zaka Ashraf’s invitation to see the Asia Cup in Pakistan. Jay Shah wished Zaka luck on his new position as chairman and extended an invitation for him to watch the World Cup in India, which Zaka Asheaf also accepted.
They have also talked about the possibility… pic.twitter.com/AZuGq4Cg0j
— Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@Rnawaz31888) July 11, 2023
The conflicting reports over the Asia Cup schedule and venue in Pakistan have created uncertainty and confusion. It remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved.
As per the quotes in NDTV, Arun Dhumal said, “There was no such discussion held. Neither India is traveling to Pakistan nor our secretary will be travelling contrary to reports that have surfaced. Only the schedule was finalized.”
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“Jay Shah agreed to Zaka Ashraf’s invitation to see the Asia Cup in Pakistan. Jay Shah wished Zaka luck on his new position as chairman and extended an invitation for him to watch the World Cup in India, which Zaka Asheaf also accepted,” anonymous Pakistani reporter said.
