Pakistan will not agree for neutral venue for 2023 Asia Cup: Farokh Engineer

India and Pakistan are engaged in an electrifying group stage encounter of the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Australia. However, the clash between the two subcontinental giants is not just happening on the pitch but also off it.

There has been a heated exchange of words from the BCCI and the PCB, the cricketing boards of the two nations over the venues of Asia Cup 2023 and the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Few days ago, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah denied chances of India visiting Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023 and instead talked about working on a neutral venue. In response, the PCB threatened India to boycott 2023 Cricket World Cup.

Farokh Engineer’s take on Pakistan’s stance on the issue

Fans and members of the cricketing fraternity have begun discussing the possibilities and the stance maintained by the two boards. Former India international, Farokh Engineer believes Pakistan will firmly remain on their ground over the neutral venue and will hold talks with ACC (Asian Cricket Council) over playing it at home.

“I don’t think Pakistan will agree to play at a neutral venue, because they need the resources and need foreign teams to play in Pakistan. They have been deprived of cricket for a long time," said Farokh Engineer on 'BatBricks7 presents Run Ki Runneeti show on CricTracker'.

Farokh further said that BCCI secretary Jay Shah, who is also the president of the ACC, could take matters into his own hands regarding a neutral venue.

“But the irony is that Jay Shah is the president of ACC, so they have asked for an urgent meeting with all the nations. So let's see what they decide," added the former India cricketer.

It appears to be a long saga and remains to be seen what transpires and whether Pakistan can retain their name as hosts for the next edition of the Asia Cup 2023.