Pakistan to boycott World cup if they lose Asia cup venue; India stands firm in its decision

MANAMA: The BCCI stands firm in its decision not to participate in this year's Asia Cup cricket tournament if it is held in Pakistan. It is reported that BCCI Secretary Jay Shah stood by the decision at the Asian Cricket Council meeting held in Bahrain last day. In this situation, it is also being considered to conduct Asia Cup or only India's matches in some other country. There is also a possibility that the Asia Cup will be held in the UAE.

The new venue for the Asia Cup will be announced after the Executive Board meeting in March. Since 2008, the Indian cricket team has not traveled to Pakistan. At the same time, Pakistan is threatening to not play in the ODI World Cup to be held in India if it they lose the Asia Cup venue. Inside Sport reported that there was a dispute between Jay Shah, who is also the ACC president, and Najam Sethi, chairperson of the Pakistan Cricket Board, at the Asian Cricket Council meeting. When Najam Sethi threatened not to come to India for the ODI World Cup, Jay Shah replied that he should not mix ICC and ACC matters.

An Asian Cricket Council official has revealed that it is 100 percent certain that the Asia Cup will not be held in Pakistan, reported Inside Sport. The BCCI has expressed its stance that they can play in any other country even when Pakistan is hosting the Asia cup. The possibility of holding the Asia Cup in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah is also being considered if the Pakistan Board agrees.