A Blow for India, Pakistan has received support from two important members of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, for its “hybrid model” proposal for the Asia Cup 2023.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) presentes the model to address Indian concerns. India has ruled out travelling to Pakistan for the Asia Cup in September, citing safety concerns, and the PCB has offered to let them play their matches in the United Arab Emirates. The PCB has been making efforts to convince all ACC members to agree to its proposal.
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According to sources, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have approved the hybrid model, while ACC President Jay Shah is ready to assess the proposal in an official meeting within two days in Dubai.
Shah has called an official meeting with ACC board members to discuss the PCB’s hybrid model to host the Asia Cup.
The board is likely to summon an official meeting in order to decide the future of the Asian event.
Pakistan’s Hybird Proposal:
The hybrid model offers two options. In the first option, India will play their matches at a neutral venue, while all other matches will take place in Pakistan.
In the second option, four matches of the group stage in the first phase will organize in Pakistan.
However, the second phase, in which matches of the Indian team followed by the next stage matches including the final, will be played at a neutral venue. The cricket boards of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have agreed on the second option.
If accepted, Pakistan will play their group match against Nepal at home. Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan are placed in group 2. These two teams will also play their group-stage matches in Pakistan.
Overall, Pakistan will host four matches before the league moves to a neutral venue. Both countries will decide the venue mutually.
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka back Pakistan:
The PCB wants the United Arab Emirates to be the neutral venue as it ensures gate money will go into their account.
However, two cities in Sri Lanka, Dambulla and Pallekele are considered neutral venues.
