Despite crashing out of the last two editions of the tournament, Pakistani fans were delighted to hear that their nation was awarded hosting rights for the Asia Cup 2020…
Yes, you read it right. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will get to host the Asia Cup 2020 – but what remains to be seen is whether it’ll be held in Pakistan or the United Arab Emirates (UAE). With the tournament switching back to the T20 format, it’s scheduled to be played in September 2020 – a month ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia.
The PCB have been awarded the rights to host the 2020 Men's Asia Cup.
Where the tournament will take place is yet to be decided.
➡️ https://t.co/iH7MdmIPdK pic.twitter.com/0es10IgaqU
— ICC (@ICC) December 13, 2018
Pakistan’s chances of hosting matches on their own soil are unfavourable due to political tensions with India and the reluctance shown by other countries towards touring the country. However, if the PCB’s circumstances improve during 2019, Gaddafi Stadium and National Stadium may just witness the India-Pakistan rivalry come to fruition once again.
The country recently co-hosted the Emerging Asia Cup, and the board has announced plans to host up to eight matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in March. With some big names having already confirmed their intention to play in Pakistan during the PSL, the PCB is also vying for the approval of the Australian team – with the invitation open for a home series. If all goes well, the country might be able to see a major tournament held on its soil for the first time in decades – while shifting it to the UAE, where the previous edition was also played, remains the likelier option.
Like in 2016, it's going to be Bangladesh against India in the Asia Cup final https://t.co/fvZtwvSRDh #PAKvBAN #AsiaCup2018 pic.twitter.com/Vqo3ZTuy2k
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) September 26, 2018
Pakistan have yet to clarify what their intentions are for the Asia Cup 2020, but fans in the country and around the continent will be eagerly awaiting more details about the venue. Regardless of where it’s held, Sarfaraz and his men will have a chance to make amends for their dreadful performance in this year’s tournament – during which they were knocked out by Bangladesh and suffered multiple defeats at the hands of arch-rivals India.