BCCI President announces cancellation of Asia Cup T-20

BCCI President Sourav Ganguly on Wednesday announced cancellation of the Asia Cup T20, which was scheduled to be held in September.

Pakistan had the hosting rights of the six-team continental event but it had been expected to be held within the UAE.

“Asia Cup cancel ho chuka hai, jo September me tha (Asia Cup, which was to be held in September, has been cancelled),” Ganguly told ‘sports tak’ in an instagram live session.

The former India skipper didn’t specify the rationale for the cancellation of the event but its conduct was shrouded in uncertainty amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

With T20 World Cup in October-November also unlikely to travel ahead in Australia thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, Asia Cup’s cancellation allows the BCCI to possess a full-fledged IPL within the same window.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not yet made any announcement regarding the tournament’s cancellation.

PCB CEO Wasim Khan had earlier said that they’re going to object to any change within the dates of the Asia Cup to accommodate the cash-rich IPL.

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) met last month to make a decision on the road ahead for the continental event but no decision was taken.

India has the third largest load of coronavirus cases with quite 7.5 lakh infections reported thus far .

In the same show, former skipper was asked about when the Indian team are going to be seen in action next. The Virat Kohli-led team last played in March.

“It is hard to mention now as nobody knows when the virus situation improves. Our preparations are in situ but we will only implement them on the bottom . Stadiums are open but players aren’t getting to train there because chances of getting infected are high,” said Ganguly.

“So, we will start when situation improves and that we aren’t during a hurry. Players’ safety is paramount. it’s tough when there’s no cricket for five six months but it’s a crisis. there’s no target (for resumption), we are taking it day by day.”

Takling about the IPL, Ganguly said: “I do not know about the IPL also, getting a window is vital .

“T20 World Cup is there, the ICC is trying to form it happen because it generates tons of revenue for them. Unless we get clear cut directions from the ICC, we will not say anything about the IPL.”