In a major development, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has decided to move the upcoming Asia Cup out of Pakistan due to security concerns. The decision was taken during a meeting of the ACC Executive Board in Dubai on Monday.
The Asia Cup was scheduled to be held in Pakistan in June 2023, but the decision to move the tournament was made after several member nations expressed reservations about playing in the country. The ACC Executive Board took into account the current security situation in the region and decided that it would be in the best interest of all parties involved to shift the tournament to another location.
The ACC Executive Board also discussed potential alternative venues for the tournament and will announce the new host country in due course. The decision to move the tournament out of Pakistan is a blow to the country’s cricketing fraternity, as Pakistan has been striving to bring international cricket back to the country after years of isolation due to security concerns.
Pakistan has hosted several high-profile international cricket matches in recent years, including the Pakistan Super League and matches against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The country has also successfully hosted the 2020 Pakistan Super League, which was held entirely in Pakistan.
However, the decision by the ACC to move the Asia Cup out of Pakistan is likely to be a setback for the country’s cricketing aspirations. It remains to be seen where the tournament will be held, but the ACC Executive Board has assured fans and stakeholders that the new host country will be selected after careful consideration of all relevant factors.
The decision to move the Asia Cup out of Pakistan is a reminder of the challenges facing international cricket in the region. While the sport has the potential to bring people together and bridge divides, it is also vulnerable to geopolitical tensions and security concerns. The ACC Executive Board’s decision is a reflection of these complex realities and underscores the need for continued dialogue and collaboration to ensure that cricket remains a unifying force in the region.
