On Thursday, Shah, in his capacity as ACC The president announced the 2023 and 2024 itinerary on his Twitter account with the Asian Cup marquee scheduled for September this year, although the detailed itinerary and host country have yet to be announced.
Pakistan are the original hosts of the Asian Cup this year, but BCCI are not keen on playing there due to political tensions between the two countries.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman at the time, Ramiz Raja, opposed the BCCI’s position and even threatened to boycott the 50-year-old World Cup in India.
Raja’s claim was that the decision to award Pakistan the hosting rights was taken by the ACC board and Shah cannot decide to move the tournament.
Sethi, who was seen as close to India’s former board bigwigs, however, was snappy in his response after Shah released the schedule in the morning.
“Thank you Jay Shah for unilaterally presenting the structure and schedules of the ACC 2023-24, especially regarding the 2023 Asian Cup for which Pakistan is hosting the event. While you are at it, as much to present the structure and the calendar of our PSL 2023! a quick answer will be appreciated”, the tweet charged with sarcasm of Sethi did not escape anyone.
Thank you @JayShah for unilaterally presenting @ACCMedia1 2023-24 structure and timelines, especially regarding Asia… https://t.co/kixEWlvDGP
— Najam Sethi (@najamsethi) 1672926636000
The 2023 Asian Cup will be a six-team affair involving India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and a qualifying squad.
Sri Lanka are the defending Asian Cup champions in the United Arab Emirates after beating Pakistan in the final. The tournament was played in T20 format due to the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia.
While India is set to host the ODI World Cup later this year and all participating teams are focusing on the 50+ format, this year’s Asian Cup will be held in this format.
It is understood that India wants the tournament to be moved to the United Arab Emirates due to the complex socio-political scenarios existing between the cross-border nations, but Pakistan’s argument is that if Australia, England and New Zealand can come and play without fear of security, why would they organize an event in a neutral country.
BCCI Secretary and ACC President Jay Shah, while releasing the schedule for the next two years, said the schedule “signals our unprecedented efforts and passion to take this game to new heights. a good time for cricket.”
A total of 145 ODI and T20I matches will be played during the two-year cycle (between 2023 and 2024) announced by the ACC. There will be 75 matches in 2023 and 70 matches in 2024.
Additionally, the Emerging Asian Cup (U23) is back and will be held in the 50+ format in July this year for men and will involve eight teams. Next year’s tournament will take place in December but in T20 format.
This year’s Women’s Emerging Asian Cup in June will be a T20 affair involving eight teams.
