Zaka Ashraf rejects Asia Cup "hybrid model", creates unnecessary controversy
Xtra Time Web Desk: The likely new Chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board, Zaka Ashraf has stunned the Asian Cricket Council and BCCI on Wednesday by stating that he is not in favour of the “hybrid model” for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023, which is slated to be held in Pakistan and Sri Lanka in September.
Speaking at a press conference held in Islamabad, Ashraf said, “The first point is that I had rejected the hybrid model (for Asia Cup) in the past itself – because I do not agree with it. The board of the Asian Cricket Council had decided that it should be held in Pakistan, then we should host it.”
With the Asian Cricket Council executive body approving the hybrid model, if Ashraf doesn’t change his stand, the Asia Cup could be held without Pakistan as a five-nation tournament.
Ashraf’s comments could also jeopardise Pakistan’s World Cup participation and it is expected that the BCCI will also play hardball and there wouldn’t be any middle ground if they back-track from what was agreed upon by members of Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
While no official comments were made by any BCCI or Asian Cricket Council (ACC) member regarding Ashraf's statements, it appears highly unlikely that further modifications will be made to the hybrid format of the Asia Cup at this stage. As per the model, four games are scheduled to be held in Lahore while nine games are supposed to be staged in Sri Lanka, something the PCB under the previous interim chairman Najam Sethi had agreed upon.
