The Asia Cup which is supposed o be held in Pakistan in September 2023, is now in jeopardy as India has declined to send its team to Pakistan for the tourney. As per details, the schedule is yet to be announced and it is not sure if the tournament will be held in Pakistan.
Proposing a “hybrid model”, chairman of PCB , Najam Sethi, suggested that the Asia Cup should be held in Pakistan, apart from the India matches, which should be played at a neutral venue.
However, the BCCI has expressed its displeasure with this proposal. Sethi is currently in Dubai where he met ICC officials yesterday. On Tuesday, he is scheduled to meet Asian Council vice-chairman Pankaj Khimji and UAE cricket officials to discuss the possibility of hosting India’s matches in the UAE under a “hybrid model”.
The PCB is worried that if the Asia Cup is not held now in Pakistan, the same issue may cause problems in hosting the Champions Trophy 2025 and if India does not participate, the ICC may decide to change the event.
PCB Reminds Afghanistan Of Playing In Sharjah To Get Support, Woos Bangladesh; Sri Lanka Seeks BCCI Favor To Host Asia Cup
Under the proposed hybrid model, the Indian cricket team’s Champions Trophy matches will be held in Bangladesh. Pakistan has reminded Afghanistan that they recently played additional matches in Sharjah, and they stand with the PCB on this matter.
While there are concerns about the heat in Dubai, efforts are being made to convince Bangladesh to cooperate, and they are reportedly willing to do so.
PCB officials have publicly stated that “we have earned a substantial amount of money due to the PSL, and therefore, the Asia Cup’s cancellation would not be a significant concern for them.”
In reality, the Pakistani authorities aim to avoid financial losses and prioritize preparations for the upcoming World Cup, and they also prefer holding the Asia Cup at neutral venues.
On the other hand, BCCI also worked with Sri Lanka and convinced them to play two more matches as they were eager to host the Asia Cup for some time now.