Asia Cup 2023: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are leaving no stone unturned in their bid to host the Asia Cup this year. While their tussle with BCCI continues, chief Najam Sethi has now gone to war with Sri Lanka Cricket Board to try and ensure that Pakistan retains hosting rights. After the SLC rejected PCB’s hybrid model, Pakistan now threatens to boycott their two-match Test series in SriLanka in July. Follow Asia Cup 2023 LIVE Updates on Insidesport.IN
As per local media, Pakistan will boycott two Tests in SriLanka should SLC reject their hybrid model for the Asia Cup 2023. With BCCI unwilling to travel to Pakistan, PCB suggested a hybrid model with India’s games to be played in the UAE. However, it is believed that both Bangladesh and SriLanka have rejected the proposal, citing the extreme summer conditions in UAE in September.
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PCB at no point is willing to risk losing hosting rights. With the Champions Trophy to be held in Pakistan in 2025, Asia Cup is a crucial tournament for the PCB to showcase their strength and security. No participation from India or a complete cancellation would weaken their position to host other multi-nation tournaments.
Pakistan will boycott the two Test matches against Sri Lanka in July if Sri Lanka Cricket opposes the hybrid model presented by Pakistan Cricket Board for the Asia Cup, as per Samaa News. #AsiaCup2023
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) May 15, 2023
As such, Pakistan Cricket Board have now threatened to boycott the SriLanka tour. PCB and SLC have had cordial relations, but the Najam Sethi board has not taken SriLanka’s refusal kindly. A boycott of the Test series would seriously affect SLC. SriLanka itself is still recovering from an economic crisis. However, they could still benefit should the Asia Cup be moved to the country.
As things stand, no decision is yet taken on the future of the Asia Cup. India will not participate if the tournament is held in Pakistan. SriLanka and Bangladesh are unwilling to send their teams to UAE. PCB will boycott the tournament and the World Cup should Asia Cup be moved out of Pakistan. SriLanka has emerged as option to host the Asia Cup sans Pakistan.
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