Pakistan’s Test tour of Sri Lanka in July is expected to exclude ODI matches, according to sources familiar with the matter. The Sri Lanka Cricket and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had initially explored the possibility of incorporating ODI matches alongside the two-match Test series. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, this idea is likely to be abandoned. The Sri Lanka Cricket will soon unveil the schedule for the two-match Test series, which forms part of the ICC World Test Championship.
Furthermore, there is uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s involvement in the Asia Cup, which is scheduled to be hosted by the PCB in September. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has declined to send their team to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, expressing a preference for a neutral venue. Conversely, the PCB is determined to host the event within Pakistan, as it would significantly impact their efforts to revive international cricket in the country. The BCCI is unlikely to accept the PCB’s proposed hybrid model, which would have allowed India to choose a neutral venue for their matches.
Najam Sethi, the chairman of the PCB Management Committee, emphasized the need for a rational approach to resolve the impending crisis that jeopardizes the successful hosting of the Asia Cup and Pakistan’s participation in the ODI World Cup. During a media briefing at the National Assembly Standing Committee on Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) meeting, Sethi expressed doubts about the Pakistan team’s ability to travel to India for the ODI World Cup.
“In the event of India refusing to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, it is possible that the Pakistani government will prohibit our team from crossing the border to participate in the World Cup. This would undoubtedly be detrimental to cricket,” Sethi remarked. He called for finding a middle ground to address the challenges that pose a threat to the smooth organization of ICC and ACC events. If India declines to visit Pakistan for the Asia Cup, the Pakistani government is unlikely to authorize the team’s travel to India for the World Cup matches, Sethi added.
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Asia Cup 2023 can happen without Pakistan: Reports
