Asia Cup to be played in Dubai, says Sourav Ganguly
The BCCI President Sourav Ganguly confirmed the upcoming edition of Asia Cup will be held in Dubai. According to him, with the shift in venue, both India and Pakistan will be able to participate in the continental tournament. Pakistan was handed the hosting rights initially, but India refused to travel to the neighbouring country due to security reasons. Hence, it was moved to Dubai.
Pakistan had refused to participate in 2018 Asia Cup
When India had the hosting rights of the previous Asia Cup edition, Pakistan refused to participate in it. As a result, Dubai and Abu Dhabi were chosen as the venues. India retained the title in 2018 when the Rohit Sharma-led side beat Bangladesh in a thrilling final. "Asia Cup will be held in Dubai and both India and Pakistan will play," Ganguly said.
The two teams only play each other in multilateral tournaments
The last time India played Pakistan in a bilateral series was back in 2012-13. Pakistan toured India in December 2012 for two T20Is and three ODIs. While the T20I series was drawn, Pakistan clinched the ODI series 2-1. The two teams played their last bilateral Test series in 2007-08 when hosts India beat them 1-0. India defeated Pakistan twice in the Asia Cup 2018.
Ehsan Mani contradicted Ganguly's statement over Asia Cup
Contrary to Ganguly's statement, his counterpart in Pakistan, the President of Pakistan board Ehsan Mani said that no venue for Asia Cup has been finalized yet. Mani said a final decision will be taken after keeping the interest of all Asian countries in mind. He made it clear Dubai is not the only alternate venue even if Pakistan is not hosting the Asia Cup.
No decision has been taken yet: PCB
"The Asia Cup is organized for the benefit of the Associate Members. We will take a decision keeping that in mind. A final decision will be taken bearing in mind the interests of all the Asian countries. We have a few options," Mani said.
The final decision to be taken on March 3
The final decision regarding the venue of Asia Cup 2020 is likely to be taken in the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting at the Address Marina in Dubai on March 3 where both Ganguly and Mani are expected to be present.
