In a significant meeting between BCCI Secretary Jay Shah and PCB Chief Zaka Ashraf, held in South Africa on July 11, the final details of the highly anticipated Asia Cup were ironed out. Following the discussion, it has now been confirmed that the much-awaited clash between India and Pakistan will be held in Sri Lanka.
This decision comes as the Men in Blue have opted not to travel to Pakistan for the continental cup, citing logistical and security concerns. Arun Dhumal, the IPL chairman, also confirmed this development and dismissed the rumors of Shah’s visit to Pakistan for the initial phase of the tournament.
While the dates and schedule have been finalized, the Asian Cricket Council is yet to make an official announcement. The tournament is scheduled to commence on August 31 in Pakistan and will conclude on Sunday, September 17 in Sri Lanka. As per Dhumal, there will be four league matches in Pakistan before the tournament shifts to Sri Lanka for the second phase.
“Our secretary met PCB head Zaka Ashraf, and the Asia Cup schedule was finalized as discussed earlier. There will be four league stage games in Pakistan, followed by 9 games in Sri Lanka, including the high-stakes India versus Pakistan match. If both teams make it to the final, there may be a third encounter,” stated Dhumal, according to The Times of India.
Dhumal further clarified, “There was no such discussion held. Neither is India traveling to Pakistan, nor is our secretary going, contrary to the reports that have surfaced. Only the schedule was finalized.”
According to reports, the picturesque city of Dambulla will play host to the marquee clash between India and Pakistan. On the other hand, the Babar Azam-led side will have their sole home match against Nepal, while the other three matches are likely to be contested between Afghanistan and Bangladesh, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, and Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.
While the Asia Cup conundrum has been resolved, a similar sense of certainty eludes the upcoming ODI World Cup. Pakistan is still advocating for a possible change in the venue, as they are reluctant to face India at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. A special delegation from Pakistan is expected to travel to India in late August to assess the situation and make a final decision regarding the matter. The tussle for the World Cup venue continues to unfold, adding another layer of intrigue to the cricketing landscape.
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