Asia Cup 2023 likely to be hosted by Sri Lanka; final decision set to be taken by end of May - Reports
The 2023 edition of the Asia Cup is likely to be shifted to Sri Lanka since Team India are not budging away from their decision of not traveling to Pakistan for the tournament.
A hybrid model was suggested where India would play all of their matches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), including the final, should they make it. However, the notion was not well received, especially by the tournament broadcasters who voiced their concern over it.
Additionally, there is also fear of player fatigue in the UAE-based model. The Middle East sees grueling temperatures during September, and the conditions have not been kind to players in the past as well.
The 2018 edition of the Asia Cup and one-and-a-half seasons of the Indian Premier League (IPL) were hosted by UAE during a similar time frame in the recent past and the results were not optimistic.
The tipping point in this entire saga has come in the form of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan all supporting the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the tournament to be shifted out of Pakistan and be contested in Sri Lanka instead.
A report by the Indian Express mentions that the final decision by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is expected to be announced by the end of May 2023. Apart from UAE and Sri Lanka, there were discussions over Oman potentially hosting the tournament, but the idea was dismissed without much consideration.
Pakistan likely to boycott Asia Cup 2023 if the tournament is played in Sri Lanka
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has already expressed its displeasure over the volatile issue surrounding the hosting of the Asia Cup.
Pakistan could boycott the Asia Cup altogether if they do not host the continental event. Their non-participation in Asia's marquee tournament could also cast doubt on their involvement in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India.
If Sri Lanka host the tournament, the matches are likely to be played in Dambulla and Pallekele. While the capital city Colombo boasts the marquee venue in the form of the R Premadasa Stadium, there is a risk of matches being interrupted due to rain in September.
India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan are confirmed participants in the Asia Cup. Nepal will play their first-ever Asia Cup after winning the ACC's Premier Cup recently.
Will Pakistan partake in the 2023 Asia Cup if it is held in Sri Lanka? Let us know what you think.