PCB Not Keen On Cancelling Asia Cup:
Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Ehsan Mani, said that the PCB would not agree to cancel the September Asia Cup scheduled in the UAE.
“On these assumptions, I have listened, but conducting the Asia Cup is not a decision between India and Pakistan. It is a decision that involved many other nations.” Mani said on Tuesday.
Pakistan was expected to host the event, but it was relocated to Dubai and Abu Dhabi after India expressed reluctance to come here due to security issues and the close diplomatic relations between the two.
“It is necessary to have the Asia Cup if cricket play continues until then since the development of Asian cricket depends on competition funding. It’s important for other countries that are part of the Asian Cricket Council,” he added in a PCB official statement.
He also admitted, although holding this year’s Asia Cup is a significant obstacle right now, “we don’t know whether it can be held or not.”
“But if the circumstances improve and we can get the Asia Cup, it will be held as scheduled and the funds collected from it would be given to member countries for the next two years’ development funds,” he added.
At this point, he said reports of Bangladesh or the UAE is hosting the Asia Cup were more conjecture.
Speaking of another big event, Mani cautioned that if the World Cup T20, to be played in Australia in October-November, is postponed, the financial consequences will be significant for many nations.
“Most countries would experience the financial effect if the ICC were unable to allocate their shares from the tournament, with many nations, including Pakistan, feeling the pressure,” he said.
In June and January, Mani reported that’ Pakistan will earn about $7 to 8 million:
“Pakistan is lucky to have strong financial controls in place, and the short term, if the lockdowns persist because of the coronavirus pandemic, it will be better off than other countries,” he said.
“We’ll get 7 to 8 million dollars from the ICC in June, but we realize they may not arrive as we’ve expected, “he added.
As to how Pakistan’s forthcoming tours to Holland, Ireland, and England would go head-on between late June and August, Mani said the PCB was prepared for the disturbance.
Yet he left out reintroducing world cricket into empty stadiums.
“Full stadiums are now presenting big problems, as players have to travel and stay in hotels, and the dangers remain. The logistics plans have to be managed,” he added.
Mani said Pakistan was able to demonstrate goodwill and versatility and to help these tours’ hosts.
“When two series were conducted concurrently with one side playing Tests and another white-ball cricket, we wouldn’t mind. We need to support each other in these tough times,” he said.
Mani also disclosed Pakistan‘s participation in hosting many ICC tournaments from 2023 to 2031, including the ICC Youth Cup and World Cups.
Sadly, for the big three, India, Australia, and England split all the significant events among themselves the last time the cycle of ICC events was biding. This time I might say more countries are involved in hosting the events, “he added.