The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed its wishes to see Sri Lanka hosting the Asia Cup 2022. Amidst the political and economic crisis in the island nation, there have been some uncertainties regarding Sri Lanka hosting the upcoming edition of the Asia Cup. However, the authorities have given a green signal for hosting, and PCB is happy with the decision as well.
Faisal Hasnain, the Chief Executive of PCB, narrated that if the tournament is moved out of the country, it will suffer further financial damages. He feels it will not be just for the country that has been planning to host Asia Cup for years.
Notably, Sri Lanka has recently embraced Australia Cricket Team for a five-match ODI series, three T20Is, and two Tests. As of now, the SLC is hosting Pakistan Cricket Team for two Tests, part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023. Back-to-back cricket here can garnish economic crisis, and for that reason, Sri Lanka is preparing hard for Asia Cup 2022.
Faisal’s statements read,
“Pakistan wants the Asia Cup to be held in Sri Lanka because the country has been planning for the Asia Cup for many years. There will be a financial loss to Sri Lanka, and cricket will also suffer if it’s moved out. After the successful series in Australia, now our team is also present in Sri Lanka for the two-match Test series,”
“However, the final decision on the venue of the tournament is to be taken by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). We have already talked to ACC officials, they are reviewing the situation, and we will accept their decision,”
He also talked about the next edition of the Asia Cup, which is scheduled to take place in Pakistan in 2023. Faisal takes it as a chance to prepare the nation to host Champions Trophy 2025.
“Next year’s Asia Cup in Pakistan is very important for us. It will be a 50-over event. By hosting the Asia Cup, we will get an opportunity to prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is also to be hosted by Pakistan,”
Also, see:
Which country will host Asia Cup 2022 if not Sri Lanka?
