Asia Cup 2023: The Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Najam Sethi, stated that if Pakistan refuses to participate in the upcoming Asia Cup, the PCB could lose approximately $3 million in revenue. Despite the potential financial loss, Sethi emphasized that Pakistan is willing to bear it, as they consider it a matter of principle regarding the hosting rights of the tournament. Meanwhile, Sethi also has challenged India to provide written evidence if they claim that they cannot play in Pakistan due to security reasons. Follow Asia Cup 2023 Updates with Insidesport.IN
Asia Cup 2023: PCB Ready To Bear $3 Million Loss
The PCB Chief Najam Sethi emphasized that the apex board has become financially independent and is no longer reliant on the ICC for funds. He stated that they have generated enough revenue from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to sustain themselves. Additionally, Sethi reiterated that if it comes down to a matter of principle, the PCB is willing to incur the financial loss and prioritize the hosting rights of the Asia Cup.
“We have decided that we are ready to bear loss of $3 million in order to protect our honour and political stance. I know people don’t want us to go to India if India doesn’t come to Pakistan. People want us to stand our ground and not to be dictated,” said Sethi.
The PCB Chief Najam Sethi has strongly stated that they will only accept a hybrid model for the Asia Cup. He said, “We have made it very clear that unless the Asia Cup is held on a hybrid model as we have proposed, that is India playing its matches at an offshore venue and Pakistan hosting the remaining games at home we will not accept any other schedule and neither play.”
Najam Sethi Asked for Written Proof From BCCI
Najam Sethi stated that the security concerns raised by the Indian government are no longer a valid excuse. He challenged India to provide written proof if they claim that they are not able to play in Pakistan due to government clearance issues.
“When all other teams including Australia, England, NewZealand are playing in Pakistan without any issues there should be no security concerns for India to tour Pakistan,” said Sethi.
Najam Sethi acknowledged that if the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) agrees to the hybrid model, it could also have implications for the World Cup. However, when asked about the possibility of Pakistan refusing to participate in the World Cup, Sethi stated that the situation with the ICC is different. And any such refusal could negatively affect their relationship with the governing body.
The scheduled 2023 Asia Cup, to be hosted in Pakistan, has been the subject of much controversy prior to its commencement. The BCCI has expressed reluctance to travel to Pakistan for the tournament, citing security concerns. In response, the Pakistan team has reportedly taken a bold stance, stating that they will not travel to India for the World Cup.
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