Dismissing theories that the Asia Cup this year could be rejected, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) CEO Wasim Khan has said the biennial competition will proceed as arranged however in Sri Lanka or UAE relying upon the conditions.
There have been reports that the competition could clear a path for the IPL which BCCI wants to direct in September-November window should the T20 World Cup be dropped also.
“The Asia Cup will go ahead. The Pakistan team returns from England on 2nd September so we can have the tournament in September or October,” Wasim said during a media conference in Karachi.
“There are some things which will only get clear in the due course of time. We are hopeful of having the Asia Cup because Sri Lanka has not had too many cases of the coronavirus. If they can’t do it, then UAE is also ready,” he added.
Wasim additionally affirmed that Pakistan has surrendered the facilitating rights for Asia Cup 2020 in return for facilitating the following local occasion. Also, if the T20 World Cup gets dropped, they are investigating choices to play global cricket during that window.
“We are to go to New Zealand in December after hosting Zimbabwe at home. South Africa is ready to tour in January-February to play two or three Tests and some T20 matches,” he revealed.
When asked about the possibility of resuming bilateral cricketing ties with India, Wasim replied in negative. “Sadly we need to forget about playing India for the time being. It is sad for us and even the BCCI as they have to get permission from their government. It is not realistic for either side right now to think about playing against each other,” he said.
On the menace of match-fixing, he said, “Look the only way people will listen is when they know there is a jail sentence and they have to face the courts if they are found guilty of corruption.
There are also plans to finish the remaining five matches of the suspended Pakistan Super League in November this year.
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