PCB in a quandary over lack of support in Asia Cup, World T20 hosting issue

Karachi: The Pakistan Cricket Board is reportedly `in a quandary` over the lack of support from their counterparts as they seek a change in venue for the Asia Cup and the ICC World Twenty20 due to security apprehensions in Bangladesh.

The board desires a change in venue for the Asia Cup and the World T20 events amid the anti-Pakistan sentiments in Bangladesh, where scores have died in the lead-up as well as on the Election Day. According to the Express Tribune, the PCB is hoping to put up a `strong case` during the upcoming ICC meeting in Dubai although they have failed to drum up requisite support from both ICC and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) supporting Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) despite the unrest. Stating that the PCB is perturbed over the lack of support from other member boards, an official said that the security risk is high for the Pakistan squad in Bangladesh, although he added that the board, which is already facing financial issues, would suffer a huge loss in terms of participation fee if it skips the tournaments. The official also said that the team, which consists of several young players, would also miss a chance of gaining exposure in major tournaments, adding that all these issues have put the board in a quandary. The official further stated that the ACC was ready to hold the tournament even in case of Pakistan`s withdrawal; hence Afghanistan was added to the original four-nation event, the report added.