Sourav Ganguly confirms Dubai as Asia Cup venue; asserts participation of India and Pakistan

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly on Friday made it clear that Dubai will host the upcoming edition of Asia Cup and both India and Pakistan will take part in it.

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly on Friday said the next Asia Cup will be held in Dubai, paving the way for both India and Pakistan to participate in the continental tournament.

BCCI President Sourav Ganguly (Photo by Samir Jana / Hindustan Times)

Pakistan was the designated hosts for the tournament scheduled for September, but with the BCCI making it clear that the Indian team would not be able to travel to the neighbouring country owing to security concerns, the event has been moved to Dubai.

“Asia Cup will be held in Dubai and both India and Pakistan will play,” Ganguly told reporters at the Eden Gardens before leaving for Dubai for the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting, to be held on March 3.

Earlier, the BCCI had said they have no problem with Pakistan hosting the tournament, provided it is held at a neutral venue.

India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2012-13 when Pakistan visited the country for a limited-overs series. Due to the ongoing political tensions between the two countries, India and Pakistan have only met in major ICC competitions since early 2013.

“They are playing some fantastic cricket and have qualified. Nobody is favourites in a world tournament. They are a good side, let’s see where they finish,” Ganguly said of the women’s cricket team that won three matches in a row to seal a last-four berth.