Pakistan Cricket team could miss out on the Asia Cup 2023 after the neighbouring nations Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan rejected the hybrid model for the tournament proposed by PCB chairman Najam Sethi. The Hybrid model was proposed by the PCB following India’s denial to visit their country citing security reasons.
According to PTI, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan have agreed to the BCCI’s demand of moving the Asia Cup 2023 out of Pakistan, as hosting the event in two countries would not be economically feasible for Asian Cricket Council.
According to various sources, the meeting which will be held later this month would just be a formality, as the call regarding the moving the event by BCCI is backed by the other neighbouring nation and it was said that Pakistan have two options, as they can play in the neutral venue or back out of the tournament.
“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,” a source said.
“Pakistan only has two options. Play the tourney at a neutral venue or withdraw,” an Asian Cricket Council (ACC) source said.
It was also said that the broadcasters are unwilling to pay the same amount previously as agreed if Pakistan withdrew from the tournament, which may also lead to the cancellation of the tournament in 2023.
“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,” the source added.
As per recent reports, Sri Lanka is likely to host the Asia Cup this year, as the BCCI has opposed the hybrid model of hosting the tournament proposed by Pakistan. It will be interesting to see whether Men in Green continues to play the series if the tournament is moved out of the country.
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.
Earlier it was said, if the Asia Cup 2023 is scraped, BCCI is mulling organizing a five-nation cricket during the Asia Cup window in September.