The Asia Cup 2023 host, Pakistan, faces a challenging situation as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan withdraw their support for the proposed ‘Hybrid Model.’ With the growing likelihood of Pakistan pulling out from hosting the tournament, uncertainties surround the prestigious event scheduled for September.
Recent developments reveal a united front among Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, as they align with the BCCI’s push to relocate the tournament from Pakistan. The rejection of the PCB’s proposed hybrid model by these cricket boards underscores the need for Pakistan to play on a neutral venue if they wish to participate in the Asia Cup.
The decision to relocate the tournament gained momentum after India declined to travel to Pakistan due to security concerns. This shared stance among the cricket boards is expected to significantly impact the final venue determination and reshape the dynamics of the upcoming Asia Cup.
According to the PCB’s proposed hybrid model, a few matches were planned to take place in Pakistan, while the remaining matches were intended to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Cricket Boards Unite in Push to Relocate Asia Cup from Pakistan
The proposal to relocate the tournament gained traction after India declined to travel to Pakistan due to concerns over security.
This decision set off a series of events that revealed a shared stance among Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, as they aligned themselves with the BCCI’s efforts to move the tournament out of Pakistan.
This united front displayed by these cricket boards is expected to have a significant impact on determining the final venue for the tournament and will undoubtedly shape the overall dynamics of the upcoming Asia Cup.
The collaboration and consensus among these countries underscore the importance placed on security and the need to ensure a safe and secure environment for cricket tournaments.
“It is just a formality now that the Asian Cricket Council executive board members meet virtually or a proper meeting is called later this month.
“But the PCB is now aware that Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan are not backing their hybrid model proposal for the Asia Cup,” said a well-informed source aware of the developments.
PCB Chairman Consults Stakeholders Amidst Uncertainty
According to media reports, Sethi has been actively engaging with members of the cricket management committee and relevant government officials to strategise Pakistan’s response in case they are denied the opportunity to host any matches of the Asia Cup on home soil.
Sethi has consistently emphasized that if the tournament is relocated to a neutral country, Pakistan will refrain from participating altogether. The source revealed that there is a growing likelihood of the PCB opting for a boycott of the Asia Cup, as the prospect of hosting matches slips away.
“Pakistan only has two options. Play the tourney at a neutral venue or withdraw,” an Asian Cricket Council (ACC) source said.
“In case Pakistan doesn’t play, it will still be called Asia Cup but the broadcaster will renegotiate the deal in the absence of Pakistan.”