After Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Nepal have also given the green signal to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Asia Cup 2023 hybrid model. BCCI is still considering its decision on this model.
Some sigh of relief for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have extended support to the new hybrid model for Asia Cup 2023. PCB chairman Najam Sethi has submitted the proposal to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Now, ACC President Jay Shah, who is also the BCCI secretary, will assess the proposal in the next two days before taking a call. However, as BCCI has been adamant about shifting the entire tournament, a “boycott” from India’s perspective cannot be ruled out.
What are PCB’s proposals?
Proposal 1: Pakistan host all games while India play their matches at a neutral venue
Proposal 2: The tournament is divided into two phases with Pakistan hosting the first round of games while India play all their games at a neutral venue in the 2nd phase. The final will also be held at a neutral venue.
A meeting on Asia Cup’s hybrid model is expected by the end of this month. If the hybrid model is accepted, then all the member boards will finalise the neutral venue.
Earlier, the chairman of the PCB Management Committee, Najam Sethi, called for a rational approach to solve the looming crisis that threatens the successful hosting of the Asia Cup and the country’s participation in the ODI World Cup this year.
BCCI’s reaction and stubbornness
It must be noted that BCCI has refused to send their team to Pakistan for the Asia Cup. Which is set to take place in September this year. They are keen on ensuring that the event is held at a neutral venue. However, the PCB is not interested in hosting the event outside Pakistan. Since it would affect its efforts with regards to the return of international cricket in the country.
Despite being considered one of sport’s greatest rivalries. India and Pakistan have not met on home soil in any version of the game since 2012. They only play each other in multinational tournaments on neutral grounds.