'Will be pleased if venue is changed to...': R Ashwin wants THIS country to host Asia Cup

In his recent Youtube video, Team India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin suggested that Sri Lanka should replace Pakistan as hosts for Asia Cup 2023. Pakistan was originally supposed to host coveted tournament this year, but BCCI secretary and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Jay Shah said India won’t travel to country. While move came as a blow to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), UAE was being seen as possible host that can replace Pakistan. 

Meanwhile, revealing his thoughts on subject in his recent video, Ashwin played down Pakistan’s threat of t traveling to India for ICC ODI World Cup 2023, if venue for Asia Cup is changed. At same time, Ashwin also suggested Sri Lanka can be given chance to host tournament. It is pertinent to mention that Sri Lanka was supposed to host Asia Cup 2022 before it was moved to UAE.

"Many tournaments have taken place in Dubai"

Speaking on matter on Youtube, Ashwin said, “ final call might be that Asia Cup will be moved to Sri Lanka. This is an important lead-up to 50-over World Cup. Many tournaments have taken place in Dubai. I would also be pleased if it is moved to Sri Lanka”. ACC is expected to decide upon hosts in March as tournament is slated to be held in September.

At Asia Cup 2022, Sri Lanka was official host, despite fact that it was being held in UAE. island nation backed off from hosting due to ecomic and financial crisis in country last year. Interestingly, Sri Lanka triumphed over Pakistan in summit clash of tournament to become Asian champions.

Asia Cup 2023 will serve as a practice tournament for Asian countries that will participate in ICC ODI World Cup 2023. While Asia Cup 2022 was held in a T20 format, 2023 edition will be a 50-over affair due to World Cup. Alongside India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka will participate in Asia Cup 2023, alongside ar qualifying team.