Asia Cup on schedule, not to leave window for IPL 2020: Big Statement by PCB CEO

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) CEO Wasim Khan has said that the Asia Cup will be conducted later this year as scheduled either in Sri Lanka or the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Khan has therefore cleared the air on speculations that the Asia Cup will be scrapped to make space for the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) which is being under indefinite suspension.

"As the Pakistan team will return from England on September 2, the Asia Cup can be conducted in September or October," Khan said at a press conference adding that some things will get clear only in the due course of time.

Khan expressed hope on conducting the Asia Cup as Sri Lanka has not had too many cases of COVID-19. "If they can't do it, then UAE is also ready.”

Khan said that the Pakistan Cricket Board is working on options to play cricket in the October-November window if the T20 World Cup does not happen as planned. After hosting Zimbabwe at home, Khan said, the Pakistan team are to go to New Zealand in December. South Africa are ready to tour in January-February.

Speaking on cricket ties with India, the PCB CEO said it is not realistic for either side right now to think about playing against each other.

Khan also said that the Pakistan Cricket Board had revised its annual budget and reduced expenses by around Rs one billion owing to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, former IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla said that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will take a good decision “while keeping in mind everything” on the 13th edition of the tournament. "We have to see the benefit of our country, whatever would be in the interest of our country and cricket," Shukla told ANI.