The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has rubbished the reports claiming that there are plans of the Asia Cup being shifted to Sri Lanka later this year.
See Also: PCB non-acceptant of Asia Cup rescheduling to accommodate IPL
After the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting last week, the reports of PCB and SLC agreeing to swap the hosting rights of the multi-nation event had started emerging.
“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. We had an online ACC meeting and they basically gave us the green light to host the tournament,” SLC chief Shammi Silva was quoted as saying by Sri Lankan media outlet ‘Ceylon Today’.
Reacting on such reports, a BCCI official told TOI: "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.”
The official further made it clear that the 13th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) won’t be a truncated one just because of the Asia Cup.
"Let’s be clear about that first. There won't be a truncated IPL just to host an Asia Cup. Those thinking on such lines are clearly not speaking in India's interests and the BCCI will not be party to it,” sources added.
IPL 2020, which was initially scheduled to start on March 29, currently remains suspended until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coming to the revenue, no series in the world would be able to match up to the numbers generated by IPL.
“Even the World Cup in England was a loss-making event for the broadcaster and we're talking about an Asia Cup here. The IPL is a different beast altogether. Who're these people who refuse to understand the numbers? It’s in Indian cricket's best interests to host the IPL. What are we going to cater to? India's interests or PCB's interests?” say those who track the industry.
The source also spoke about a probable India-South Africa series.
“BCCI can't start denying things that aren't true in the first place. Somebody starts a rumour and what does the BCCI have to do with it? Start denying rumours,” sources added.
"Yes, India and South Africa were in talks to host a series there (in SA). These talks were first initiated when Graeme Smith took charge at Cricket South Africa (CSA) and came to India in February. But that was then. Covid changes everything,” said source.
(With TOI inputs)
