Won't agree to Asia Cup cancellation to accommodate IPL: PCB Chairman Mani

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ehsan Mani has asserted that PCB will t agree to cancel Asia Cup, scheduled in UAE in September, to make room for Indian Premier League, which has been postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic. IPL was to be held from March 29 to May 24 but has been postponed indefinitely because of an extended lockdown to combat deadly virus in India. "I have read and heard about se speculations but right w just remember that having or t having Asia Cup is t a decision between Pakistan and India it involves or countries as well," asserted Mani here on Tuesday.

'Won't agree to Asia Cup cancellation'

Pakistan were to host event but it was shifted to Dubai and Abu Dhabi after India expressed reluctance to come here owing to security concerns and strained diplomatic ties between two countries.

"...it is important to have Asia Cup if cricket activities resume by n because development of Asian cricket depends on funding from tournament. It is important for many countries who are members of Asian Cricket Council," he added in a podcast released by PCB.

However, he also conceded that holding Asia Cup this year is a big challenge because right w "we don't kw if it can be held or t."

"But if conditions change and we can have Asia Cup, it must be held as earnings from it are distributed as development funds to member countries for next two years," he said.

He said reports about Asia Cup being hosted by Bangladesh or UAE were mere speculation at this st. Speaking about ar big event, Mani warned that if T20 World Cup, to be held in Australia in October-vember, is postponed, financial fallout will be big for many countries. " financial impact will be felt by many countries if ICC can't distribute ir shares from tournament. Many countries including Pakistan will feel pinch," he admitted.

Mani confirmed that Pakistan was to receive around USD 7 to 8 million in June and January.

"Pakistan is fortunate it has good financial controls in place and in short term, it will be better off than most countries if lockdowns continue because of coronavirus pandemic," he claimed.

"We are to get 7 to 8 Million dollars from ICC in June but we kw y might t come so we have planned accordingly," he added.

On wher Pakistan's forthcoming tours to Holland, Ireland and England between late June and August will gohead, Mani said PCB was prepared for disruptions. But he ruled out resumption of international cricket in empty stadiums. "Empty stadiums also offer ir big challenges as teams have to travel by air and stay in hotels so risks start re. logistical arrangements have to be manable," he explained.

Mani said Pakistan was prepared to show goodwill and flexibility and support hosts of se tours.

"We wouldn't mind if two series are held at same time like one team playing Tests and ar white-ball cricket. In se difficult times we need to support each or," he said.

Mani also revealed that Pakistan had shown interest in hosting several ICC tournaments to be held between 2023 and 2031, including ICC Youth Cup and World Cups.

"Unfortunately last time cycle of ICC events were bid for big three, India, Australia and England distributed all main events among mselves. This time I can say re are more countries interested in hosting events," he said. 

Im credits: AP