The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas announced on Tuesday that the Philippines' hosting of the third window of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, which was supposed to be held in Clark from February 18 to 22, has been cancelled due to the country's travel ban.
"The SBP wanted nothing else than to be one with the international basketball community as it attempts to bounce back in 2021 after taking a huge hit during the pandemic. Our commitment to FIBA has never wavered as evidenced by our participation in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers in Manama, Bahrain even amidst the difficult circumstances," said SBP President Al Panlilio.
"The SBP offered to welcome not just Group A where we belong, but Group C as well because we were confident we'd be able to host a safe environment where world-class basketball players can showcase their skill without having to worry about anything else. We've exerted a lot of effort into our hosting of the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers and this is why it is with great sadness that we announce it is no longer going to happen," added Panlilio.
SBP Special Assistant to the President Ryan Gregorio clarified that the third window will push through in another country, but the timetable is not yet clear.
The more potent strain of COVID-19 prompted the Philippines to impose a travel ban on 33 countries, including three that are in either Group A (Korea) or Group C (Australia and Hong Kong) of the qualifiers.
"We've constantly communicated with our partners from the National Task Force Against COVID-19 and they have informed us that there would be no exemptions from the current travel restrictions announced by the Department of Foreign Affairs," Panlilio explained.
The SBP added that Tokyo, which was supposed to host Group B, also begged off from hosting due to the virus, with Qatar offering to do it instead.
"We are working with FIBA to look for possible solutions to this situation," closed Panlilio. "We look forward to the day that the SBP welcomes FIBA basketball to our shores again."