The Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) has revealed that they have entered the race to host the Asia Cup 2023 later this year. It is a setback for Pakistan, which had been planning to host the multi-team tournament in a hybrid format for some time. The BCCI denied the latest hybrid model and said it’s either Colombo or nothing on the sidelines of the washed-out IPL final day on Sunday, where all ACC members met, barring PCB representatives.
As previously reported, the heads of three boards – BCB, SLC, and ACB – were in Ahmedabad for the IPL 2023 final, and following an informal discussion, the BCCI secretary, Jay Shah – who also happens to be the ACC chief – has played a role.
According to PCB’s proposal, while a few matches will be played on Pakistani soil, the Indian team will play all games in the UAE. The Indian board refused to accept it because it is a complicated logistical process.
According to Cricbuzz, a top SLC official has revealed that the board is ready to host the Asia Cup 2023 instead of PCB, and the ball is now in the hands of ACC to make the final decision.
“The SLC is ready to host the Asia Cup at a moment’s notice.” The ACC now has the final say,” a top SLC official told Cricbuzz on Monday.
He claimed that the BCCI had said, “Colombo or nothing,” citing logistical concerns. The SLC official also stated, “We will go with the BCCI.”
While it is unclear what the position of PCB chief Najam Sethi is on this, he previously opposed the idea of the BCCI dictating terms for multi-team events, even threatening Pakistan.