Pakistan gave us green light to host 2020 Asia Cup: SLC chief Shammi Silva

[Abdullah719]

New Delhi: The Executive Board of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) met via a video conference on Monday and one of the major topics on the agenda was the fate of the 2020 Asia Cup which originally Pakistan was expected to host. The BCCI had made it clear that playing in Pakistan wasn't an option and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) chief Shammi Silva has said that Pakistan Cricket Board is okay with SLC hosting the event.

"We had a discussion with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and they have already agreed to our hosting this edition due to the present world situation," Shammi Silva was quoted as saying by Sri Lankan media outlet 'Ceylon Today'. "We had an online ACC meeting and they basically gave us the green light to host the tournament," he added.

India was represented by BCCI President Sourav Ganguly and Secretary Jay Shah. As for the T20 tournament, it was decided that the final decision would be taken in due course with an eye on the coronavirus pandemic.

The ACC in the release said: "High on the agenda were matters relating to the scheduled events of the ACC. In particular, the board emphasised on the importance of holding the Asia Cup 2020. In light of the impact and consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, possible venue options for the Asia Cup 2020 were discussed and it was decided to take the final decision in due course.

"The Board was also apprised of the status and progress of the ACC's involvement with the Asian Games 2022 in Hangzhou, China. The board noted with satisfaction the ongoing activities and initiatives of the ACC. The meeting was chaired by the ACC President Nazmul Hassan. Attending for the first time were Sourav Ganguly and Jay Shah."

Earlier, a BCCI official had said that it looked difficult that the event would take place in September this year with an eye on the pandemic. In fact, the World T20 in Australia is almost certain to be postponed when the ICC Board Meeting takes place on Wednesday.

https://gulfnews.com/sport/cricket/...ia-cup-slc-chief-shammi-silva-1.1591715801263

 

[Bhaijaan]

They should host it in USA or Canada.

 

[CanadianG00se]

They should host it in USA or Canada.

No thanks,

We are struggling as it is to fight COVID. Last thing we want is second wave of Covid.

 

[Saj]

Interesting option and one that may be satisfactory to all.

 

[HappyWarsFan]

No thanks,

We are struggling as it is to fight COVID. Last thing we want is second wave of Covid.

Would love some cricket here tbh.

 

[CanadianG00se]

Would love some cricket here tbh.

Not at this point. We got lot on our plate, specially GTA

 

[SensiblePakFan]

Least cases in the area.
Good decision.

 

[Bhaijaan]

AsianBloc must protect itself first. No point playing IPL, or tournaments on our soil right now. Results will be catastrophic.

No need when we can sign deals with open hearted boards and governments in the west.

Besides Canada is almost Asia now.

 

[Mamoon]

Pakistan is not in a position to give “green light” to anyone. Asia Cup’s host will be chosen by BCCI.

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan is not in a position to give “green light” to anyone. Asia Cup’s host will be chosen by BCCI.

That is your opinion - not a fact - we will wait for details but based upon SLC president that is the case.

 

[Slim]

They should host it in USA or Canada.

Why? Its an Asia cup. We SEAN people really need to get over our inferiority complex.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

Great, i hope it commences on time

 

[CricketZ]

Good decision.

 

[TeymurBlake]

Good move. All boards should be fine with the move.

 

[sweep_shot]

Not a bad move. SL has much lower cases too.

 

[Hasan123]

If India aren't willing to travel to Pakistan we can't host the Asia Cup. Also our covid19 cases make it difficult for us to host the tournament.

Sri Lanka seems relatively safe.

 

[Mesozoic]

Good decision.

Just hope rain doesnt affect the games as September is monsoon in Sri Lanka.

 

[Rajdeep]

How about cancelling it all together? Any multinational tournament without crowds is boring. I would be gutted to see an Indo-Pak game without passionate fans. It will simply not have the same feeling.

So for the best interest of all, T20 WC and Asia cup must be shifted to next year. This year boards must focus on leagues and bilateral series behind doors to raise revenue.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Pakistan is not in a position to give “green light” to anyone. Asia Cup’s host will be chosen by BCCI.

Please stop passing off opinions as facts.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Sri Lanka certainly a better option than UAE.

 

[MenInG]

MUMBAI: The Indian cricket board has expressed absolute shock and surprise over reports of plans being made to host the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka this year.

Soon after the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting last week, when members met via a teleconference but failed to arrive at any conclusion over the immediate future of the tournament, reports of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) agreeing to swap the tournament with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the latter "agreeing" to host the same began to emerge.

In fact, soon after the ACC meeting, SLC chief Shammi Silva spoke to the media and said that the ACC has agreed to Sri Lanka hosting this year's edition of the Asia Cup. "We had a discussion with Pakistan Cricket Board and they have already agreed to our hosting this edition due to the present world situation. We had an online ACC meeting and they basically gave us the green light to host the tournament," Silva was quoted as saying.

'No decision taken'

The office-bearers of the BCCI have taken "very strong objection" to these reports and have categorically stated that no decision has been taken whatsoever, so far, on the tournament.

"We have no idea where such reports are coming from and we're surprised how fast these reports travel. The BCCI is clear that no decision was taken at the ACC meeting. The Board (BCCI) is tired of giving out these clarifications. Earlier it was about travelling to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, and BCCI had to deny it with a statement. Now this," well-placed sources in the Board told TOI.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com...on-to-asia-cup-talks/articleshow/76377999.cms

 

[Realromeo]

MUMBAI: The Indian cricket board has expressed absolute shock and surprise over reports of plans being made to host the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka this year.

Soon after the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting last week, when members met via a teleconference but failed to arrive at any conclusion over the immediate future of the tournament, reports of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) agreeing to swap the tournament with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the latter "agreeing" to host the same began to emerge.

In fact, soon after the ACC meeting, SLC chief Shammi Silva spoke to the media and said that the ACC has agreed to Sri Lanka hosting this year's edition of the Asia Cup. "We had a discussion with Pakistan Cricket Board and they have already agreed to our hosting this edition due to the present world situation. We had an online ACC meeting and they basically gave us the green light to host the tournament," Silva was quoted as saying.

'No decision taken'

The office-bearers of the BCCI have taken "very strong objection" to these reports and have categorically stated that no decision has been taken whatsoever, so far, on the tournament.

"We have no idea where such reports are coming from and we're surprised how fast these reports travel. The BCCI is clear that no decision was taken at the ACC meeting. The Board (BCCI) is tired of giving out these clarifications. Earlier it was about travelling to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, and BCCI had to deny it with a statement. Now this," well-placed sources in the Board told TOI.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com...on-to-asia-cup-talks/articleshow/76377999.cms

LOL what ? This is embarassing. Is it the fault of BCCI or is it the faul of PCB and SLCB ?

 

[Mamoon]

MUMBAI: The Indian cricket board has expressed absolute shock and surprise over reports of plans being made to host the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka this year.

Soon after the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting last week, when members met via a teleconference but failed to arrive at any conclusion over the immediate future of the tournament, reports of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) agreeing to swap the tournament with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the latter "agreeing" to host the same began to emerge.

In fact, soon after the ACC meeting, SLC chief Shammi Silva spoke to the media and said that the ACC has agreed to Sri Lanka hosting this year's edition of the Asia Cup. "We had a discussion with Pakistan Cricket Board and they have already agreed to our hosting this edition due to the present world situation. We had an online ACC meeting and they basically gave us the green light to host the tournament," Silva was quoted as saying.

'No decision taken'

The office-bearers of the BCCI have taken "very strong objection" to these reports and have categorically stated that no decision has been taken whatsoever, so far, on the tournament.

"We have no idea where such reports are coming from and we're surprised how fast these reports travel. The BCCI is clear that no decision was taken at the ACC meeting. The Board (BCCI) is tired of giving out these clarifications. Earlier it was about travelling to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, and BCCI had to deny it with a statement. Now this," well-placed sources in the Board told TOI.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com...on-to-asia-cup-talks/articleshow/76377999.cms

[MENTION=147292]RedwoodOriginal[/MENTION]

There you go. A Mickey Mouse board like PCB has overestimated its importance yet again and will now face self-inflicted humiliation.

As I said, PCB cannot do jack unless BCCI agrees that the Asia Cup should be hosted by Sri Lanka.

This is the second time the duo of UK imports Mani and Wasim have spoken too early with respect to India/BCCI and then had to back-track.

 

[Thunderbolt14]

[MENTION=147292]RedwoodOriginal[/MENTION]

There you go. A Mickey Mouse board like PCB has overestimated its importance yet again and will now face self-inflicted humiliation.

As I said, PCB cannot do jack unless BCCI agrees that the Asia Cup should be hosted by Sri Lanka.

This is the second time the duo of UK imports Mani and Wasim have spoken too early with respect to India/BCCI and then had to back-track.

BCCI is inflating its media lobby — what is likely is that the ACC meeting did not go to their liking, and they are now making press statements to bully their way into a favorable outcome by getting social media fans and journalists on the case

If PCB has mentioned they will support Sri Lanka, then even though PCB does not have a direct say on the decision, it is still very likely that that is what will happen — two of the major ACC countries are in favor of it, plus it is a neutral venue.

Secondly, [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION], it is the Sri Lanka board that made the announcement. Not PCB. Your “Mickey Mouse UK imports” are not the ones jumping the gun here.

 

[Mamoon]

BCCI is inflating its media lobby — what is likely is that the ACC meeting did not go to their liking, and they are now making press statements to bully their way into a favorable outcome by getting social media fans and journalists on the case

If PCB has mentioned they will support Sri Lanka, then even though PCB does not have a direct say on the decision, it is still very likely that that is what will happen — two of the major ACC countries are in favor of it, plus it is a neutral venue.

Secondly, [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION], it is the Sri Lanka board that made the announcement. Not PCB. Your “Mickey Mouse UK imports” are not the ones jumping the gun here.

They gave SLCB the green light even though they know that they don’t have the auqaat to do so. Previously, they did something similar when they stated that the Asia Cup would be held in Pakistan before Mani had to back-track after Ganguly’s statement.

PCB should have known that acting beyond their means (by giving SLCB green light) would not end well because it would inevitably become public knowledge.

PCB deserves this humiliation.

 

[Mamoon]

LOL what ? This is embarassing. Is it the fault of BCCI or is it the faul of PCB and SLCB ?

PCB. They acted beyond their means and will now face humiliation.

Only a matter of time before Mani and Wasim come up with some face saving excuse and deny that they gave SLCB the green light.

 

[Mamoon]

Let’s get something clear - ACC is a powerless organization. BCCI is the actual ACC, and they will decide where the Asia Cup will be held.

If PCB thought they could go behind BCCI’s back and give green signals to other boards, they thought wrong.

PCB must make peace with the fact that it is nothing more than a speck of dust in the balance of power in cricket.

In order to become a relevant board with power, PCB will have to talk less and build a top team which will increase its clout. That is what BCCI did and that is who they became the most powerful board in cricket.

As long as the Pakistan cricket team is in complete tatters and is the poster boy of mediocrity, PCB will find it very hard to exert any real influence.

 

[Thunderbolt14]

Let’s get something clear - ACC is a powerless organization. BCCI is the actual ACC, and they will decide where the Asia Cup will be held.

If PCB thought they could go behind BCCI’s back and give green signals to other boards, they thought wrong.

PCB must make peace with the fact that it is nothing more than a speck of dust in the balance of power in cricket.

In order to become a relevant board with power, PCB will have to talk less and build a top team which will increase its clout. That is what BCCI did and that is who they became the most powerful board in cricket.

As long as the Pakistan cricket team is in complete tatters and is the poster boy of mediocrity, PCB will find it very hard to exert any real influence.

So they should sit tight and quiet and allow BCCI to decide everything without giving their input??? PCB has the right to tell Sri Lanka that they will support if the SL CB makes a bid. It's not like PCB is coming out high and mighty and making controversial statements, nor are they making jabs at the BCCI nor are they exerting any authority. They have simply politely extended Sri Lanka their support.

I would laud Wasim Khan here rather than criticize him - he is a crucial ingredient in the way he respectfully builds mutual, equitable relationships with other boards and extends branches of friendship. From Bangladesh to Sri Lanka to the MCC to implicitly building trust with the ECB during the covid crisis, to building relations with Emirates Cricket Board to think out of the box and potentially host a cricket world cup together, he has managed international contact with different boards with the distinction of an ambassador and diplomat, and I am thoroughly impressed.

Just yesterday, Younis Khan of all people, given the hothead he is, mentioned in an interview that Wasim Khan is the sole reason he is joining as batting coach -- "the way he spoke to me, I simply couldn't refuse".

So again - if BCCI wants to twist hands, you are absolutely right - they will get their way. But it is not PCB here that is acting as the insolent middle child - rather, the statements here are coming from Sri Lanka. So BCCI can have its way but they will be twisting Sri Lanka's hands now too, not just PCB's.

If anything, it doesn't even really matter to PCB anymore where the tournament is held - they are simply playing it smart and building a relationship with SL - so regardless of the outcome, whether Asia Cup is played in UAE, Bangladesh, SL, or Mars, does't matter; PCB will have built trust with another cricket board.

I think at the end of the day, we are blowing up a really small matter. From the reports, it seems SL is clearly interested in hosting, and Pakistan has told them they will support if they make a formal bid. Officially, things won't change much and there is no reason to sit quiet.

Under your model, it seems you would rather have a meeting where they all call in and everyone expresses their opinions in the following order:
Pakistan: "Just host wherever"
SL: "Just host wherever"
Bangladesh: "Just host wherever"
India: "Great, let's do UAE"

Ideal circulation of ideas!

 

[Mamoon]

So they should sit tight and quiet and allow BCCI to decide everything without giving their input??? PCB has the right to tell Sri Lanka that they will support if the SL CB makes a bid. It's not like PCB is coming out high and mighty and making controversial statements, nor are they making jabs at the BCCI nor are they exerting any authority. They have simply politely extended Sri Lanka their support.

I would laud Wasim Khan here rather than criticize him - he is a crucial ingredient in the way he respectfully builds mutual, equitable relationships with other boards and extends branches of friendship. From Bangladesh to Sri Lanka to the MCC to implicitly building trust with the ECB during the covid crisis, to building relations with Emirates Cricket Board to think out of the box and potentially host a cricket world cup together, he has managed international contact with different boards with the distinction of an ambassador and diplomat, and I am thoroughly impressed.

Just yesterday, Younis Khan of all people, given the hothead he is, mentioned in an interview that Wasim Khan is the sole reason he is joining as batting coach -- "the way he spoke to me, I simply couldn't refuse".

So again - if BCCI wants to twist hands, you are absolutely right - they will get their way. But it is not PCB here that is acting as the insolent middle child - rather, the statements here are coming from Sri Lanka. So BCCI can have its way but they will be twisting Sri Lanka's hands now too, not just PCB's.

If anything, it doesn't even really matter to PCB anymore where the tournament is held - they are simply playing it smart and building a relationship with SL - so regardless of the outcome, whether Asia Cup is played in UAE, Bangladesh, SL, or Mars, does't matter; PCB will have built trust with another cricket board.

I think at the end of the day, we are blowing up a really small matter. From the reports, it seems SL is clearly interested in hosting, and Pakistan has told them they will support if they make a formal bid. Officially, things won't change much and there is no reason to sit quiet.

Under your model, it seems you would rather have a meeting where they all call in and everyone expresses their opinions in the following order:
Pakistan: "Just host wherever"
SL: "Just host wherever"
Bangladesh: "Just host wherever"
India: "Great, let's do UAE"

Ideal circulation of ideas!

My model is that don’t pick up fights that you cannot win.

Under Wasim Khan’s model, PCB acts outside its means and bites more than it can chew, and when BCCI makes a contrarian statement, PCB then has no choice but to back-track after suffering from public humiliation.

This is the second time PCB under the tutelage of Mani and Wasim have done this and like the first time, they will have to back-track now for damage control.

PCB has a choice between humiliating itself in private by accepting BCCI’s hegemony and not attempt to go behind its back or face public humiliating by going behind BCCI’s back until BCCI takes note, makes a contrarian statement and forces PCB to change it’s stance.

I personally prefer private humiliation over public.

 

[Thunderbolt14]

My model is that don’t pick up fights that you cannot win.

Under Wasim Khan’s model, PCB acts outside its means and bites more than it can chew, and when BCCI makes a contrarian statement, PCB then has no choice but to back-track after suffering from public humiliation.

This is the second time PCB under the tutelage of Mani and Wasim have done this and like the first time, they will have to back-track now for damage control.

PCB has a choice between humiliating itself in private by accepting BCCI’s hegemony and not attempt to go behind its back or face public humiliating by going behind BCCI’s back until BCCI takes note, makes a contrarian statement and forces PCB to change it’s stance.

I personally prefer private humiliation over public.

This is SLC’s wish, not the PCB’s. So let’s get that straight.

Secondly, they extended polite support rather than make some controversial statement. No one’s picking any fights.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

[MENTION=147292]RedwoodOriginal[/MENTION]

There you go. A Mickey Mouse board like PCB has overestimated its importance yet again and will now face self-inflicted humiliation.

As I said, PCB cannot do jack unless BCCI agrees that the Asia Cup should be hosted by Sri Lanka.

This is the second time the duo of UK imports Mani and Wasim have spoken too early with respect to India/BCCI and then had to back-track.

I don't see how this proves that the Asia Cup will not be hosted by Sri Lanka. It may not happen at all. But fact remains that it is the PCB's turn to host the tournament and it is up to the PCB to decide where the tournament is to be hosted since it obviously can't be hosted in Pakistan. The BCCI can act shocked all they want but the ACC is not the ICC. India may have alot of influence but in the ACC every country has an equal vote. And I don't imagine SLC will be feeling a great degree of warmth towards the BCCI seeing how they just cancelled India's tour to Sri Lanka.

 

[U$ofA]

I don't see how this proves that the Asia Cup will not be hosted by Sri Lanka. It may not happen at all. But fact remains that it is the PCB's turn to host the tournament and it is up to the PCB to decide where the tournament is to be hosted since it obviously can't be hosted in Pakistan. The BCCI can act shocked all they want but the ACC is not the ICC. India may have alot of influence but in the ACC every country has an equal vote. And I don't imagine SLC will be feeling a great degree of warmth towards the BCCI seeing how they just cancelled India's tour to Sri Lanka.

Correct me if I am wrong. Isn't this the case in the ICC as well. All boards have an equal vote?

Given SLC's past track record, I doubt they will even take one wrong step against the BCCI. SLC is just as selfish and greedy for BCCI $$$ as most other boards.

What I don't understand is the need for this to happen at all. Why would a low Covid country let in people from high spread countries like India and Pakistan.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Correct me if I am wrong. Isn't this the case in the ICC as well. All boards have an equal vote?

Given SLC's past track record, I doubt they will even take one wrong step against the BCCI. SLC is just as selfish and greedy for BCCI $$$ as most other boards.

What I don't understand is the need for this to happen at all. Why would a low Covid country let in people from high spread countries like India and Pakistan.

Dynamics in ICC are very different. It is almost entirely about the Big 3. Whereas ACC is basically a powerless organization whose only job is to organize the Asia Cups. The reason why there is less politicking here is because there isn't much to politick in the first place.

Also, I would reserve my judgement till things are finalized. Speculation is pointless.