Xtra Time Web Desk: While the ICC World Test Championship final began at The Oval on Wednesday, administrators from across Asia are also in London to work on the fate of the Asia Cup 2023. And a very senior source close to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) confirmed that they were very close to a resolution. And interestingly, it would likely be announced by both India and Pakistan on the same day.
So what could be the solution to the impasse? From what is understood, the hybrid model proposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) could well be adopted with a tweak. The ACC is determined to reduce travel for the teams, and also not play in the UAE because of the September heat.
What the ACC is working on is possibly one venue in Sri Lanka. It would not be on the coast, where rain is likely at that time of year, but in the hills where the weather should allow for the matches to be played without interruption. Going by that logic, it could well be the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on the outskirts of Kandy where the bulk of the Asia Cup matches will be played.
But what about the matches in Pakistan? Asian Cricket Council President Jay Shah and secretary Pankaj Khimji had a discussion in London and they will take a call soon.
The announcement could well come within a week, and if the Asia Cup issue is resolved amicably, it could mean that the clouds over Pakistan’s World Cup participation are also blown away.