'Not Possible': R Ashwin Reacts To Pakistan's Threat To Boycott ODI World Cup In India

R Ashwin feels it is not possible for Pakistan to withdraw from the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 in India. He has, however, suggested a different country which could host the Asia Cup 2023.

Ashwin during a practice session

Source : AFP

The controversy around the Asia Cup 2023 is far from getting over at the moment. While Pakistan were granted the rights to host the tournament, India's refusal to tour Pakistan for the multi-nation tournament has forced the organisers to reconsider their decision. 

While a report suggested that the Asia Cup will now be held at a neutral venue like the UAE  where it was organised last year, a separate report emerged which suggested that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Najam Sethi threatened to pull out of the ODI World Cup 2023 in India if the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) remains adamant on their decision to not travel to Pakistan. 

The dispute between the two cricket boards is also drawing reaction from several former cricketers and experts. India's off-spinner R Ashwin also shared his views on the same. He reckons that it won't be possible for the Men in Green to pull out of the ODI World Cup- which will be the first time, the 50-over marquee competition, will be held entirely in India.

"Asia Cup was supposed to take place in Pakistan. But, India has announced that if it takes place in Pakistan, then we won't be participating. If you want us to participate, then do change the venue. But we would have seen this happen many times, right? When we say Asia Cup won't go to their place, they will say that they will also not come to our place," Ashwin said in a video uploaded on his YouTube channel.

"But however, I think that is not possible," Ashwin said of Pakistan's threat of opting to not participate in the ODI World Cup.

The veteran off-spinner, however, feels it is Sri Lanka that should host the tournament instead of UAE. 

"The final call might be that the Asia Cup will be moved to Sri Lanka. This is an important lead-up to the 50-over World Cup. Many tournaments have taken place in Dubai. I would also be pleased if it is moved to Sri Lanka," the 36-year-old, who will be in action at the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, said.