- Tuesday, January 14, 2025
By: Shubham Ghosh
While there have been reports that India will play their matches in the Asia Cup this year at a neutral venue and not in Pakistan, the official hosts, speculation is rife that Pakistan could also end up playing their games in the 2023 World Cup in Bangladesh.
India is set to host the 50-over World Cup in October and November.
According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, discussions have started that could see the 1992 champions playing on Bangladesh’s soil and not in India. Political tensions between the two nations have hindered their cricketing ties and authorities were trying to find a way out after both powerhouses’ cricket boards engaged in a war of words over boycotting the respective tournaments.
According to ESPNcricinfo, the idea of Pakistan playing their World Cup matches in Bangladesh was discussed at the International Cricket Council’s meetings last week with everybody looking at the hybrid Asia Cup model as a solution.
While it was only mentioned as an option and no formal decisions have been taken up, the Pakistan Cricket Board has been eager to point out that India not playing in Pakistan in the Asia Cup also has a potential impact on the ICC Champions Trophy, which is due to be held in that country in early 2025.
The Asian Cricket Council has agreed in principle to consider the hybrid model that will allow the Asia Cup to take place in Pakistan as scheduled but a neutral venue has to be finalised for India’s games. Some of the options reported are the UAE, Oman, Sri Lanka or even England. Matches between the two arch-rivals will be played at the neutral venue as well as the final should India make it.
