Xtra Time Web Desk: The latest twist in the ongoing drama about the staging of Asia Cup 2023 tournament is the new hybrid model proposal from the Pakistan Cricket Board. PCB wants at least 4 out of the 13 matches in the tournament to be played in their home soil. The remaining nine matches including the final can be played at a neutral venue – either UAE or Sri Lanka.
Najam Sethi, head of Pakistan Cricket Board, told BBC’s Stumped podcast that he was still hopeful of the tournament being played in Pakistan, despite Sri Lanka Cricket and Bangladesh Cricket Board raising objections. The Board of Control for Cricket in India had already made it clear they will not travel to Pakistan at any cost unless they are given permission to travel.
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He also added that if the hybrid model worked during the Asia Cup, it could pave the way for it to be used in the 50 overs World Cup, to be held later this year in India. Najam Sethi in the interview also said that he is wary if the Pakistan Government will allow its cricket team to travel to India for the World Cup.
Sethi recently held a meeting with Asian Cricket Council officials in Dubai on Tuesday to try and find a solution to the issues.
The PCB head maintained that if the hybrid model is accepted in Asia Cup, then Pakistan could well make it work in the World Cup. Meaning the Pakistan matches could be held in Bangladesh or the UAE, one hop away and we can sort it out and all other games in India.