The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic has had a severe impact on the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Future Tour Program. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had to postpone the Indian Premier League (IPL) for an indefinite period. Currently, they are planning to shift a future series including Asia Cup to accommodate IPL in the future program.
Notably, the cash-rich league was initially slated to commence from March 29. Initially, BCCI deferred the league until April 14 but with lockdown extended for another two weeks, the Sourav Ganguly-led panel postponed for an indefinite period. BCCI is planning to skip Asia Cup 2020 to accommodate IPL.
Read More: Cricket Fraternity Sends Birthday Greetings To Sachin Tendulkar
However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reacted to the same. PCB CEO Wasim Khan said that they will not allow a change in Asia Cup schedule for IPL – Asia Cup takes place in September. Although BCCI hasn’t commented on their intention but they will be desperate to host IPL considering it generates a lot of revenue.
“Our stance is absolutely clear, the Asia Cup is set for September and the only reason it should not take place is continued health safety issues. We will not accept that the tournament is moved to accommodate the IPL,” Khan told GTV News Channel.
Read More: Top 5 Greatest Knocks Of Sachin Tendulkar Of All-Time
“I have heard that there is talk to move the Asia Cup to November-December but for us, that is not possible. If you move the Asia Cup you are making way for one member nation and that is not right and it will not have our support,” he added.
Pakistan Cricket Board is due to host the Asia Cup this year. The event will take place in UAE, which is the second home to Pakistan Cricket Team. The fate of the tournament will depend on the ICC T20 World Cup 2020. Should ICC go ahead with the tournament if Australia gets a clearance to host the tournament, BCCI will find it difficult to organise IPL 2020.
