Pakistan Cricket Board CEO Wasim Khan has lent support to the notion of playing this year’s ICC T20 World Cup in Australia behind closed doors in the wake of the novel COVID-19 pandemic.
“The T20 World Cup might be played behind closed doors because if we don’t play T20 World Cup each board potentially stands to lose between 15 and 20 million dollars,” Khan was quoted as saying by GTV News Channel.
While there have been many speculations regarding the future of the World Cup, no official statement has been passed with respect to whether it will be delayed or conducted sans spectators.
It is worth mentioning that Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell and Pakistan batsman Imam-ul-Haq have voiced against playing a World Cup without spectators.
PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said: “Today’s (ICC) meeting was the first step in a longer-term process that will enable us to take a joined up approach to decision making as we shape our response to this pandemic to get cricket back on an even keel.” #Cricket
— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) April 23, 2020
Will PCB delay Asia Cup to fit in IPL 2020?
Speaking in this interview after representing Pakistan in yesterday’s ICC Chief Executives virtual meeting, Khan mentioned that the Indian representative didn’t highlight the issue regarding IPL 2020 getting a new slot in the international calendar.
Addressing reports that the Asia Cup might be delayed to fit in the 13th season of the Indian Premier League, Khan cleared his stance that the PCB won’t support that decision.
“Our stance is absolutely clear, the Asia Cup is set for September and the only reason it should not take place is continued health safety issues. We will not accept that the Asia Cup is moved to accommodate the IPL.
“I have heard that there is talk to move the Asia Cup to November-December but for us that is not possible. If you move the Asia Cup you are making way for one member nation and that is not right and it will not have our support,” Khan said.
This year’s Asia Cup was slated to be a predecessor for the T20 World Cup. With Pakistan slated to host Zimbabwe and tour New Zealand in November-December, it will become difficult for them to play Asia Cup in this window.
It is worth mentioning that the Asia Cup 2020 was originally scheduled to be played in Pakistan but was subsequently moved to the UAE as political tension between Pakistan and India won’t allow the latter to travel to Pakistan.
