Table of Contents
- PCB finalizes two venues for the Asia Cup 2023: Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and Dubai International Stadium.
- BCCI has expressed reluctance to send the Indian team to Pakistan, pushing for a neutral venue.
- PCB proposes a hybrid model with two options to accommodate BCCI’s concerns and ensure the tournament’s success.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly reached a decision regarding the venue for the Asia Cup 2023, opting for a hybrid model to accommodate the concerns raised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The tournament will see matches played at two different venues, with the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore hosting four matches in the initial phase, while the remaining fixtures will be held at the Dubai International Stadium.
The BCCI had expressed its reluctance to send the Indian team to Pakistan, citing the need for a neutral venue for the event. In response, the PCB proposed two options to resolve the deadlock. The first option entails India playing their matches at a neutral venue, while all other matches would take place in Pakistan. The second option involves hosting four group stage matches in Pakistan, followed by the second phase (including India’s matches and the final) at a neutral venue.
PCB Finalizes Hybrid Model for Asia Cup 2023 Amidst Venue Dispute
Najam Sethi, Chairman of the PCB Management Committee, emphasized the importance of finding a rational solution to the ongoing crisis to ensure the successful hosting of the Asia Cup and Pakistan’s participation in the ODI World Cup. He expressed concerns that if India refuses to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, the Pakistan government may not permit the national team to cross the borders for the World Cup matches, ultimately impacting the sport.
The PCB remains committed to hosting the Asia Cup within Pakistan, as it believes a neutral venue would hinder its efforts to bring back international cricket to the country. While the final decision regarding the venue is yet to be confirmed, the PCB’s hybrid model aims to strike a balance between the concerns of all stakeholders involved.
Also, see:
India in trouble after other countries agree to visit Pakistan for Asia Cup
