Amidst the uncertainty surrounding the venue for the Asia Cup 2023, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has officially conveyed its interest in hosting the prestigious tournament. The SLC has stated that it is fully prepared to host the championship if the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) decides to allocate the event to the island nation.
The announcement comes just days ahead of the crucial ACC meeting, during which the fate of the six-nation tournament will be determined. A top official from SLC confirmed their readiness to host the Asia Cup and emphasized that the final decision rests with the ACC.
According to reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) remains firm in its opposition to the hybrid model proposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The PCB had suggested hosting matches in both Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, informal discussions between the heads of different cricket boards have led to a consensus that the tournament should have only one venue.
A BCCI source responded to the talks, stating, "Colombo or nothing," and cited logistical inconvenience as the primary reason for their opposition to the hybrid model. The SLC official expressed their support for the BCCI's stance, stating that they would align with the Indian board's decision.
Currently, it appears that there are no takers for the PCB's proposed hybrid model, and they are increasingly finding themselves isolated within the ACC. The SLC, along with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), who are present in India for the IPL 2023 final, are aligning themselves with the BCCI's position, as reported.
In addition to the three Test-playing members (SLC, BCB, ACB) of the ACC, the non-test members, including the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) and the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), have also been involved in informal discussions held in Ahmedabad in recent days.
The stance of the PCB and its chairman, Najam Sethi, remains to be seen. Sethi had previously stated that Pakistan would not participate in the Asia Cup if they were not allowed to host some matches in their country. The upcoming ACC meeting will provide further clarity on the matter, determining the future of the Asia Cup 2023 and the hosting responsibilities.