Ever since BCCI secretary Jay Shah recently stated that Team India would prefer to play the Asia Cup at a neutral venue in 2023, there has been much heart-burning from the Pakistani side. The Pakistan Cricket Board has been giving feelers that it will opt out of the World Cup 2023 if the Asia Cup is played at a neutral venue.

On Thursday, commenting on the development, Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur said that the ongoing row is a BCCI matter and that only the Board will comment on it. "World Cup 2023, to be organised in India, will be grand and historic. India has played a big role in cricket," he has been quoted as saying by ANI.

The India-Pakistan multi-tournament matches have always produced historic profits for cricket boards, thanks to their craze among cricket lovers and the resultant interest shown by sponsors/advertisers. If Pak pulls out of the World Cup next year, it will severely affect revenues. That's why PCB is using its bargaining power to get its way over the Asia Cup.

It may be noted that Jay Shah is also the Asian Cricket Council president. "Shah's comments could also hold some implications for ICC events, two of which are to be held in India and Pakistan over the next couple of years. India are set to host the 2023 ODI World Cup soon after the Asia Cup and then Pakistan are scheduled to host the 2025 Champions Trophy," ESPN commented.