Ashwin calls out Pakistan's bluff over World Cup boycott

Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin commented on the uncertainty surrounding the venue of the 2023 Asia Cup scheduled in Pakistan. 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has stated that they will not tour Pakistan, but no official announcement has been made by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). 

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An emergency meeting was held in Bahrain, which decided that the decision on the venue would be made in March. 

Ashwin doesn't think Pakistan would not travel to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup. 

Ashwin said: "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, do change the venue."

"But we have seen this happen many times. When we say that we won’t go to their place, they will say that they will also not come to our place. Similarly, Pakistan has said they will not come to the World Cup. However, I think it is not possible," he added. 

He said India won't participate in the Asia Cup if it's held in Pakistan, and if they want India to participate, they should change the venue. 

Pakistan has also said they won't travel to India for the World Cup, but Ashwin thinks it's impossible. 

The Asia Cup is scheduled to take place in September in Pakistan, ahead of the ODI World Cup in India. 

The UAE and Qatar have shown interest in hosting the tournament as a neutral venue.