The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is not willing to play Asia Cup 2023 matches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), sources told Geo News.
Pakistan preferred UAE as the neutral venue in the hybrid model which they proposed to host the Asian event this year. According to the hybrid model, which is likely to be accepted in the ACC meeting by the end of this month, four matches will be played in Pakistan before the tournament moves to a neutral venue (yet to be decided).
Sources claimed that BCB has no issues playing Asia Cup matches in Pakistan. They just have reservations about playing in the UAE (neutral venue) due to the routine hot weather in September when Asia Cup is scheduled.
"BCB is not willing to play Asia Cup matches in UAE due to hot weather. Their players are also not ready to play there," sources said.
Meanwhile, BCB also believes that Asia Cup should take place at a single venue.
It must be noted that BCCI has refused to send their team to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, which is set to take place in September this year, and is keen on ensuring that the event is held at a neutral venue. However, the PCB is not interested in hosting the event outside Pakistan since it would affect its efforts with regards to the return of international cricket in the country.
Later on, PCB offered two options in the hybrid model. In first option, India will play their matches at a neutral venue whereas all other matches will be played in Pakistan. In another option, four matches of the group stage in the first phase will take place in Pakistan whereas second phase, in which matches of Indian team followed by the next stage matches including the final, will be played at a neutral venue.