The declaration of the fixture for the 12th Asia Cup to be held in Bangladesh next month meant the multi-nation tournament is on track. At the same time, it also meant that all the speculation and talks of the tournament being shifted to some other country due to security concerns has beenproved to be baseless.
In the recent past, there have been rumours that the tournament would be shifted to Sri Lanka or India and that the respective cricket boards have been asked to prepare venues in the case. However, Asian Cricket Council (ACC) CEO Syed Ashraful Huq ruled out such possibilities.
“There is no way that the tournament is being shifted to any other country and we (ACC) have never told any board to get ready for it,” said Ashraful to the media yesterday.
"We are delighted to be having the Asia Cup in Bangladesh again," he added, after the signing of the Host Nation Agreement with the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
"The success of the last event in Bangladesh, where the support of the crowds for all teams, not just the home nation, made for a terrific event. After what has been a particularly difficult time for the citizens of Bangladesh, people can once again unite in support of their country, their visitors and the Asia Cup, an event which over the years has held up the cause of a united Asia, the new centre of cricket."
The tournament is scheduled to begin on February 25 at Fatullah, with the final on March 8 at Sher-e-Bangla Stadium.
Five ODI nations – India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and recently included Afghanistan -will take part in the 13-day competition.
Off the four visiting teams, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had raised concernsabout their participation on security grounds and the anti-Pakistan sentiment in the country. However, the ACC CEO informed the teams' participation was subject to security clearance by their respective boards, but added he was confident all five nations would take part.
Security representatives from the PCB are due in Dhaka on Saturday, as part of the ICC's security meeting on Monday.
"Pakistan's security officer will arrive here on January 18 to take part in the ICC's security meeting which will, I am sure, give a clean report that there is no problem at the moment. The two officials of Sri Lanka Cricket are very close to me and they too, I hope will give a clean report," informed Ashraful.
He further said that the tournament will go ahead as planned even if one of the teams pulls out.
"Even if one team does not come, the tournament will go ahead," said Ashraful. "But I am sure they will all be here."
He further confirmed that Pakistan are scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on February 22 and attend training for the next two days, and play the tournament opener in Fatullah against Sri Lanka on February 25.
"The Asia Cup will go on even if any team decides not to participate in it," Ashraful said. "Earlier in 1986 in Sri Lanka, India didn't participate while in 1991, Pakistan didn't participate in India,” he added.
The ACC CEO also informed that the organisation has gained a commitment from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) which is opposing the government for not having elections under a caretaker government, to not interfere in cricketing matters.
“I have been informed by BNP's authorised spokesperson that they will support the event. But I can't disclose a name. Those who believe that the Asia Cup will be shifted elsewhere are living in a fool's paradise," he said.