Pakistan unsure of Asia Cup participation in Bangladesh

Pakistan’s cricketers pose for a photo with the tournament trophy following the one day international (ODI) Asia Cup cricket final match between Bangladesh and Pakistan at The Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on March 22, 2012

In a bold decision taken on Saturday, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has fixed Bangladesh as the venue for the next Asia Cup.

Bangladesh has been subject of mass protests and violence, which has prompted the Pakistan Cricket Board to reconsider its participation in the next Asia Cup. In an official statement, Pakistan confirmed the same, stressing on wanting to take it’s time to assess the situation and being absolutely certain before taking any decision.

“Pakistan will have to assess the developing situation carefully before confirming its participation if the matches are held in Bangladesh,” a high level PCB official, told Mirror.

The Pakistan foreign office, too, has come out with a statement which highlights the prevailing scenario in Bangladesh and the necessary caution Pakistan will need to take.

“PCB and Pakistan foreign office cannot ignore the particular nature of the security threat to the Pakistan team if it is asked to play in the sort of civil strife circumstances that prevail in Bangladesh today,” the official said.

He goes on to say that, unlike other nations, Pakistan need to seriously consider the existing anti-Pakistan sentiments in Bangladesh.

“Unlike other teams, there are anti-Pakistan protests relating to the case of Quader Molla,” he said

However, the ACC is hopeful the decision from the defending champions Pakistan will be in the affirmative.

“The PCB was a party to the decision of the ACC and the Pakistan board has not objected to the decision,” ACC chief executive Ashraful Huq said “That is our understanding. We’re hopeful that Pakistan will take part,”

In a new look Asia Cup, five teams will take part compared to four all these years. Afghanistan joins India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh for this years competition. The tournament is scheduled to be held between February 25 to March 7 in Dhaka.