Asia Cup 2023: Despite the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) firm position against traveling to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, Pakistan Cricket Board has received a major boost in their pursuit of hosting the tournament after four major teams approved the proposed hybrid model. The upcoming Asia Cup 2023 has become a matter of concern for India as after Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, two more countries, Afghanistan and Nepal, have announced their support for Pakistan’s proposed “hybrid” model to host the tournament. The Indian board is set to take the final call on India’s participation next week at the Special General Meeting (SGM). Follow Asia Cup 2023 LIVE updates with InsideSport.IN
India has refused to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023 citing security concerns and has been demanding a shift of venue for the tournament. However, PCB has put forth a “hybrid model” that would allow India to play their matches of the Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates. While initially, other countries showed hesitation with the proposed model, they have now agreed to support the Pakistan board.
However, BCCI is still firm on their demand of shifting the entire tournament out of Pakistan. A senior BCCI official confirmed that the board will not back down and will take the final call at the SGM which is scheduled to be held on May 27.
“There has been no change in stance in regards to Asia Cup. We want the entire tournament to be shifted out. Dubai is not exactly a venue to play before World Cup as the heat and conditions could increase risk of injuries. We will discuss at the SGM and take a call,” a senior BCCI official told InsideSport.
What is PCB’s “Hybrid” Model?
The PCB has presented two options under the hybrid model and has been actively persuading all members of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to agree to its proposal.
In the first option, India would play their matches at a neutral venue, while all other matches would be held in Pakistan. The second option involves hosting four group-stage matches in Pakistan and shifting the remaining matches, including those featuring the Indian team and the final, to a neutral venue.
Sri Lanka and Afghanistan have agreed to the second option. However, the boards are in a deadlock regarding whether the second phase should be hosted in Sri Lanka or Dubai, as all countries except for Pakistan have backed Sri Lanka as the venue. The PCB favors the United Arab Emirates as the neutral venue due to the financial benefits it offers. Sri Lankan Board has put Dambulla and Pallekele as potential neutral venues.
PCB is currently awaiting India’s decision regarding the Asia Cup, which is expected to be communicated in the coming week.
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