Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are not happy with Sri Lanka Cricket Board over their desire to host the entire continental event for 2023, as the BCCI has opposed the hybrid model of hosting the tournament proposed by the Paksitan, as India wants the entire event to be moved out of the hosting nation Pakistan.
According to multiple sources from the PCB, relations between the PCB and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have turned out to be a concern after their offer to host the entire Asia Cup instead of India games which potentially rules out Pakistan from hosting the prestigious event.
“An example of the increasingly strained relations between the two boards emerged after the PCB turned down a proposal by the Lankans to play a few One-Day International matches next month in Sri Lanka,” a PCB source said.
Pakistan is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka for two match test series as a part next World Test Championship final and it was also reported that the Men in Green might play a few ODI series in Sri Lanka as a preparation for the Asia Cup 2023 and ODI World Cup later this year in India.
It will be interesting to see whether Pakistan continues to plan to play the series if the tournament is moved out of the country.
“It is a clear indication that the PCB is not happy with the Sri Lankan board stepping in to offer to host the Asia Cup in September when it is Pakistan’s turn to host the regional event at home,” the source said.
Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Najam Sethi was expecting support from the other neighbouring nations for hosting the event in the Asian Cricket Council meeting, as Pakistan wanted to play at least three to four games on home soil, before moving the tournament from the country and reckons that few important decision were taken prior the IPL final, which doesn’t go in favour of Pakistan.
“Sethi expected Sri Lanka with whom Pakistan has long had friendly relations, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan to convince the Indian Cricket Board and other Asian Cricket Council board members to go with the proposal put by Sethi and at least play three to four games in Pakistan of the Asia Cup before moving the tournament elsewhere.
“He is disappointed at the way things have panned out in recent days especially when some of these board heads went to India for the IPL final and met with the BCCI secretary Jay Shah,” the source added.
It was widely said that Pakistan could take some bold moves if the tournament is moved out of the country and the huge decision could very well affect Pakistan’s chances of participating in this year’s 50-over World Cup, scheduled to be held in India in October-November.