Table of Contents
- Pakistan Cricket Board refuses to host complete Asia Cup 2023 on a neutral venue.
- PCB proposes a hybrid model, allowing only India to play matches outside Pakistan.
- Uncertainty remains over Pakistan’s participation in the World Cup in India.
Najam Sethi, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) management committee, has reiterated their position against hosting the entire Asia Cup 2023 on a neutral venue. Sources have revealed that Sethi, who is presently in Dubai, has conveyed a clear message to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) that Pakistan is unwilling to move the entire tournament outside their country.
Cricket Turmoil: Pakistan Stands Firm, Refuses to Budge on Asia Cup Hosting
It is important to note that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is exerting pressure to relocate the Asia Cup from Pakistan. The BCCI has been actively persuading ACC members not to participate in the Asian event if it takes place in Pakistan.
In response, the PCB is advocating for a hybrid model, which seems to be the only potential resolution to the ongoing deadlock. According to the PCB’s proposed hybrid model, only India would play their matches outside of Pakistan.
Also, read: Cricket Boards Clash Over Asia Cup 2023 Hosting Solution
Meanwhile, the PCB has not yet agreed to send their team to India to participate in the World Cup this year. Sources suggest that if India does not come to Pakistan, the PCB may also consider withdrawing from the World Cup.
However, Indian media outlets are claiming today that the PCB has confirmed Pakistan’s participation in the World Cup in India.
Furthermore, reliable sources indicate that Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have not opposed the hybrid model for the Asia Cup, as reported by ESPNcricinfo. However, the two cricket boards have expressed concerns regarding the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the venue for hosting India in the hybrid model.
Also, see:
Indo-Pak rivalry: What will happen to Asia Cup 2023 now?
