"India won't travel"- BCCI Secretary Jay Shah's massive claim on India travelling to Pakistan for Asia Cup 2023

The Asia Cup 2022 saw Sri Lanka become the new champion, beating Pakistan in the final. However, the upcoming edition next year is all set to take place in Pakistan, which means all the top Asian giants will play the next tournament in Pakistan.

But that left a question about whether the Indian team would also play there or not. Notably, the political tensions between the two nations have led to a stage where these two teams don't play any kind of bilateral series against each other. The last time they played a series was in India in 2012/13.

The last time India toured Pakistan was way back in 2006 for a three-match test series. Thus, the question arises whether we will see India touring Pakistan this time. Notably, some reports suggested earlier that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is open with regards to India going to Pakistan to play the Asia Cup.

However, following the conclusion of the 91st Annual General Meeting in Mumbai on Tuesday, it was confirmed that India will not travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup. Furthermore, it was also decided that the upcoming edition of the Asia Cup will take place at a neutral venue not in Pakistan.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah, himself, confirmed this statement. He said that travelling to Pakistan is in the hands of the government and the cricket board can't decide about this.

He said, "Neutral venue for Asia Cup is not unprecedented and we have decided that we will not travel to Pakistan. But for the 2023 Asia Cup, it is decided that the tournament will be held at a neutral venue."

As per the FTP, Pakistan is given the opportunity to host two major tournaments in the coming three years. They are scheduled to host the Asia Cup 2023 next year and the Champions Trophy in 2025. However, with the BCCI deciding not to play in Pakistan, the plan of hosting the Asia Cup could take a hit.