Pakistan given hosting rights of Asia Cup with a caveat
Pakistan has received the hosting rights of the next edition of Asia Cup in 2020. However, the tournament won't be played in Pakistan due to security reasons. Instead, a neutral venue will be used. As per media reports, the UAE is likely to get the nod. The UAE had hosted the 2018 edition as well, which saw India winning the trophy. Here is more.
2020 Asia Cup to be T20 format and not ODIs
The 2020 edition of the Asia Cup will not be a 50-over format, but would rather witness T20Is. The decision was taken by the Asian Cricket Council, in its meeting in Singapore. The tournament is set to be held in September ahead of the World T20 in Australia. Diplomatic tensions with India had seen last year's edition being held in the UAE.
A glimpse at the Asia Cup and its history
The Asia Cup was first held in the year 1984. Since then, a total of 14 editions have been held. This is only the second instance where the tournament will witness T20 matches instead of 50-over. In 2016, the Asia Cup was played in the 20-over format. India had won the same after beating Bangladesh in Mirpur.
The situation regarding the venue of the Asia Cup
Pakistan wants to host the Asia Cup at home, but the final decision will come after consultation with the other ACC members. The security and political situation, at that time, will determine the outcome. Last year, India was supposed to host the Asia Cup, but the ACC selected UAE due to Indo-Pak relations. In the same light, once again, UAE could get the nod.
The BCCI wants a neutral venue for 2020 Asia Cup
"The decision to play in Pakistan will completely be the government's call. We believe that just like we hosted the tournament last year in the UAE, Pakistan should also ideally organise it at a neutral venue," said a BCCI official.
2020 Asia Cup a vital tourney ahead of World T20
The 2020 Asia Cup will be a platform for the teams to test their strengths. With the World T20 next, this could help them prepare. Pakistan will look to dominate the show given their performance in T20Is, but India will be an able challenger.
