Decision on Asia Cup 2023 venue delayed until March

Uncertainty over its destination has grown since the BCCI announced that India would not travel to Pakistan for the tournament

Pakistan's status as 2023 Asia Cup hosts is expected to be ruled upon in March.

A meeting of the Asian Cricket Council in Bahrain to confirm a venue has failed to reach a resolution, with the subject to be discussed again when the ACC and ICC meet next month.

Uncertainty over its destination has grown since the BCCI announced that India would not travel to Pakistan for the tournament, scheduled for September.

According to ESPNCricinfo, PCB chief executive Najam Sethi has informed BCCI secretary Jay Shah that should India not play in Pakistan, they will contemplate withdrawing the men's team from the 50-over World Cup later in the year.

It is also understood that ACC members have been asked to consult with their respective governments regarding their ability to travel to Pakistan.

^{The BCCI and PCB are at loggerheads over the venue for the Asia Cup (INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP via Getty Images)}

But the PCB have since moved to quell such suggestions.

"The PCB wishes to clarify that no such matters were raised in the meeting, nor did any member indicate any intention to seek government clearance for playing in Pakistan," a statement read. 

"Sri Lanka has recently visited Pakistan in 2017 and 2019, while Bangladesh has toured Pakistan in 2020."

Scheduled prior to the World Cup, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka are already confirmed to appear at the six-team, 50-over tournament.

A 10-nation tournament, set to take place in April at a yet-to-be-confirmed, will determine the final qualifier.

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