The Asia Cup 2023 is making headlines but for all the wrong reasons. Since last year's tournament, a constant tussle has been ongoing between the BCCI and PCB. Since 2008, the BCCI has not planned any bilateral series against Pakistan, and Team India has not travelled to its neighbours due to the political instability between both countries.
This year's Asia Cup is hosted by Pakistan, and hence the BCCI made it very clear that Team India won't be traveling to Pakistan, and the hosts will have to make special arrangements. The top bookmakers in India have fancy odds for the Asia Cup 2023.
According to recent reports, the tournament is being jointly hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka, where Team India will be playing all their fixtures in Sri Lanka. However, the final decision is still pending, but based on confirmed news, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will host the event together.
In the past, there have been ICC tournaments hosted by two or more countries, and they have been successful. However, when it comes to a tournament like the Asia Cup, there are several other factors that hinder its success.
Logistics & Coordination
Coordinating and managing the logistics of a tournament involving two countries can be challenging. Organizers need to ensure smooth communication and coordination among various stakeholders, including teams, officials, broadcasters, sponsors, and fans.
When it comes to Pakistan and Sri Lanka, there is a high level of risk due to the economic instability in both countries.
Apart from India, no other cricket-playing nation in Asia has the infrastructure to host a major tournament like the Asia Cup and manage all the logistics and communication channels. Selecting suitable venues that meet international standards and have adequate facilities can be a complex task. Both countries may need to invest in upgrading existing stadiums or constructing new ones, which requires significant financial and logistical resources.
Legal and Administrative Aspects
Hosting a tournament involves dealing with legal and administrative matters, including obtaining necessary permissions, visas, and clearances from both countries. This process can be time-consuming and bureaucratic, especially when multiple jurisdictions are involved. Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka are facing significant political instability, which will pose a major problem in obtaining legal approvals.
Ensuring the safety and security of players, officials, and spectators is a paramount concern when hosting any major sporting event. Jointly organizing a tournament can pose additional security challenges, as both countries need to coordinate and align their security measures effectively.
Decision-making and Conflict Resolution
Organizing a tournament jointly requires making collective decisions and resolving potential conflicts between the two countries.
This necessitates effective communication, compromise, and a shared vision for the event's success. Sharing the financial burden of hosting a tournament can be a complex process.
Determining revenue-sharing models, sponsorship agreements, ticket sales, and broadcasting rights between the two countries requires careful negotiation and planning.
The diplomatic differences between the two countries can lead to significant disparities that may ultimately impact the entire tournament.
