BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, on Wednesday (July 8), confirmed that Asia Cup 2020, which was scheduled to take place in September, has been cancelled.
In conversation with ‘Sports Tak’ in an Instagram Live session, Ganguly said, “Asia Cup cancel ho chuka hai, joh September me tha (Asia Cup, which was to be held in September, has been cancelled).”
The former India captain, however, did not specify the reason for the cancellation of the event but its conduct was shrouded in uncertainty amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
With T20 World Cup in October-November also unlikely to go ahead in Australia due to the COVID-19 outbreak across the world, Asia Cup’s cancellation will allow the BCCI to have a full-fledged IPL in the same window.
Further, talking about India’s possible first international series, Ganguly said, “It’s difficult to say which will be India’s first international series. We’ve done our preparations but we can’t do much till we know the government rules. We are not in a hurry because the health of players is of the utmost importance. We are monitoring things monthly.”
Ganguly, who celebrated his 48th birthday on Wednesday, also said that IPL 2020 could take place only after this year’s T20 World Cup gets cancelled.
“We will try everything to stage the IPL. It is very important for Indian cricket. We will try to host it in India.
“The cancellation of T20 World Cup will happen soon because all countries are asking for a direction from ICC. We’ll know by mid-July. My gut feeling is saying it’s tough.”
Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), who were the organisers of Asia Cup 2020, is yet to make any announcement regarding the tournament’s cancellation.
