Organisers announced on Thursday that Pakistan will jointly host this year's 50-over Asia Cup tournament with Sri Lanka.
Pakistan will stage four matches of the Asia Cup tournament, with the rest of the matches now taking place in Sri Lanka. The decision brings to an end a dispute between Pakistan and India that had seen tit-for-tat boycott threats.
The Pakistan Cricket Board had said they would boycott this year's ODI World Cup in India, which is due to start in October, if its Indian counterpart refused to play in Pakistan at the Asia Cup.
Neighbours India and Pakistan have not met on either side's soil in a bilateral series since 2012, and only play each other in international tournaments on neutral grounds.
On Thursday, the impasse was finally over as the Asian Cricket Council announced that the six-nation tournament will be jointly hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka between August 31 and September 17.
“The tournament will be hosted in a hybrid model with four matches being held in Pakistan, and the remaining nine matches being played in Sri Lanka,” the ACC said in a statement.
Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and India will be divided into two groups. The top two teams in each will progress to the Super Four stage and the top two from there will play the final.
“I am elated that our hybrid version for the Asia Cup has been accepted,” Pakistan Cricket Board chief Najam Sethi said.
“Our passionate fans would have loved to see the India cricket team in action in Pakistan for the first time in 15 years, but we understand the BCCI’s (Board of Control for Cricket in India) position. Like the PCB, the BCCI also requires government approval and clearance before crossing borders.”
The latest development has raised hopes of Pakistan agreeing to travel to India for the 50-over World Cup. The tournament is scheduled to begin in October. The breakthrough was also significant because Pakistan are scheduled to host the Champions Trophy in 2025.
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Pakistan's Shadab Khan bowls against India in the Asia Cup 2022 clash at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Pawan Singh / The National -
India's Virat Kohli playing a shot in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National -
Shadab Khan, second from right, celebrates after taking the wicket of KL Rahul. Pawan Singh / The National -
Shadab Khan celebrating after taking the wicket of KL Rahul. Pawan Singh / The National -
KL Rahul walks back to the pavilion after being bowled by Shadab Khani. Pawan Singh / The National -
Virat Kohli playing a shot during his innings of 60. Pawan Singh / The National -
Mohammad Nawaz catches Suryakumar Yadav. Pawan Singh / The National -
Virat Kohli is run out by Asif Ali. Pawan Singh / The National -
Virat Kohli top scored for India. Pawan Singh / The National -
Pakistan's Mohammad Rizwan plays a shot. Pawan Singh / The National -
Mohammad Rizwan celebrates after scoring his half-century against India. Pawan Singh / The National -
Mohammad Rizwan celebrates his half-century. Pawan Singh / The National -
Pakistan's Babar Azam hits out. Pawan Singh / The National -
Pakistan's Mohammad Nawaz on his way to a quickfire 42 as Pakistan beat India during the Asia Cup Twenty20 Super Four match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 4, 2022. AFP -
The view from the stands during India vs Pakistan at the Asia Cup 2022. Pawan Singh / The National -
India fans during the match. Pawan Singh / The National -
India fans during the game. Pawan Singh / The National -
The view from the crowd during the game. Pawan Singh / The National -
Pakistan at the Asia Cup 2022 match against India. Pawan Singh / The National -
The view from the stands during India vs Pakistan at the Asia Cup 2022. Pawan Singh / The National -
India fans at the Asia Cup 2022. Pawan Singh / The National -
The crowds at the Asia Cup in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National -
Pakistan celebrate their victory. Pawan Singh / The National -
Players shake hands at the end of the game. Pawan Singh / The National
