Pakistan optimistic to host India in 2023 Asia Cup: PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ehsan Mani on Tuesday was confident that Pakistan will host the Asia Cup in 2023 and hoped that the Indian cricket team will also participate in it.

In an exclusive interview to the correspondent, the 75-year-old said that Pakistan will likely get the hosting rights for the tournament in two years. “Pakistan has to host the Asia Cup in 2023,” he said. “India's participation in the tournament will be a big breakthrough for Pakistan cricket. I hope that the political situation would improve by then.”

Mani added that as a result of some recent developments, the ice between the two countries has begun to melt.

Regarding this year’s Asia Cup in Sri Lanka, Mani said that Pakistan does not have time for it. “There was a small window in June in which we are going to play the rest of the Pakistan Super League matches,” he said.

Read: Asia Cup most likely to be postponed: PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani

“The Indian team will play the final of the Test Championship against New Zealand. They have to go to England two weeks ago and stay in quarantine so the Indian team is also busy.”

Mani said that while he heard rumours of India planning to send its B team for Asia Cup, he hasn’t officially been informed about it. He added that there is “no question” of having an Asia Cup this year and that Sri Lanka will host the event in 2022 instead.

The PCB Chairman said that it is vital for all teams to participate in the tournament so that the Asian Cricket Council will have a reasonable income, adding that the proceeds from the Asia Cup provide money to the associate countries for the promotion of cricket there. 

Read: Harsha Bhogle doubts Asia Cup will take place this year

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