BCCI president Sourav Ganguly on Friday commented on the participation of India and Pakistan in the next Asia Cup which will be played in Dubai, making the way for both the nations to participate in the tournament. Pakistan was the about to host the tournament scheduled for September, but with the BCCI made it clear that India would not take part if it’s in Pakistan owing to security concerns, the event has been shifted to Dubai.
“Asia Cup will be held in Dubai and both India and Pakistan will play,” Ganguly told reporters at the Eden Gardens before leaving for Dubai for the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting which will take place on March 3.
Earlier, the BCCI had agreed to play with Pakistan if the tournament takes place at a neutral venue. India and Pakistan have not played any bilateral series since 2012-13. It as the last time when Pakistan last visited India for a limited-overs series.
Due to the ongoing political reasons between the two countries, India and Pakistan only meet in major ICC tournaments since 2013. However, Sourav Ganguly congratulated the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian team for reaching the Women’s T20 World Cup semifinal with a nail-biting three-run win over New Zealand in Melbourne.
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“They are playing some fantastic cricket and have qualified. Nobody is favourites in a world tournament. They are a good side, let’s see where they finish,” Ganguly said of the women’s cricket team that won three matches in a row to seal a last-four berth.
He also backed the men’s team to bounce back from in the second Test against New Zealand.
“They have come back back before. I’m sure they will bounce back again. There’s still one Test remaining,” Ganguly said.
However, he didn’t comment on Bengal’s Ranji Trophy semifinal against Karnataka which is starting from Saturday. Bengal, are looking to play their first Ranji Trophy final since 2006-07.
“It’s two different generations.. Fingers crossed, we will talk after five days. It depends who play well. I don’t want to talk about it now,” Sourav Ganguly said.
