India might not take part in Asia Cup 2021 due to packed schedule – Reports

India might not take part in Asia Cup 2021 due to packed schedule – Reports

Indian T20I Team

India
India celebrate a wicket during the T20 series against Australia

The Indian team might not take part in the 2021 edition of the Asia Cup which is scheduled to be held in June 2021 in Sri Lanka. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly decided to pull out of the event in order to ensure the side’s schedule over the course of the year isn’t too hectic. There are also plans to conduct series that were postponed from 2020 during the period when the Asia Cup is scheduled.

Further, the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) is also scheduled to be held in mid-June and although it remains to be seen if India will make it to the final, there is a very good chance that they would. Thus, competing in the Asia Cup under these circumstances would be too jam packed and hence, the board has decided that India wouldn’t take part, according to a report from The Times of India.

India’s absence a big blow for broadcasters

BCCI

The Asia Cup was initially scheduled to be held in 2020 but postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There was confusion over whether the hosts would be Sri Lanka or Pakistan and it was eventually decided that the 2021 edition would be hosted by Sri Lanka and the 2022 edition by Pakistan.

Now, if India pulls out of the 2021 Asia Cup, it would be a big blow for broadcasters, sponsors and the Sri Lankan Cricket Board as India are a team that would bring in huge revenue if they take part. As a gesture of goodwill towards Sri Lanka, it is reported that to compensate for the losses, India will host a series against Sri Lanka before the T20 World Cup in 2021.

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