Najam Sethi, the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) management committee, has conveyed a clear message to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the Asia Cup 2023 matter.
During an interview with an Indian sports channel on Thursday, Sethi emphasized that if the hybrid model is accepted for the Asia Cup, it should also apply to the ICC World Cup 2023 in India and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan.
Sethi stated that Pakistan’s government would not permit them to participate in the World Cup in India because the Indian government had prevented the BCCI from touring Pakistan for the Asia Cup.
In an effort to find a compromise, the PCB has proposed a hybrid model for the Asia Cup, whereby four matches of the group stage would be played in Pakistan, followed by the remaining matches, including the final, at a neutral venue.
“If the hybrid model is accepted for the Asia Cup, then this will also apply to the World Cup. We will play our matches during the World Cup in Bangladesh or another suitable location. Additionally, the Champions Trophy 2025 will adopt the same model, making things simpler for everyone,” Sethi explained. He added that if India agrees to visit Pakistan at any stage, Pakistan would reciprocate by hosting the World Cup matches.
It is important to note that the BCCI has been pushing for the Asia Cup to be relocated outside of Pakistan. They have been urging ACC members not to participate in the tournament hosted by Pakistan.
Sethi also shared details of his conversation with a senior ACC representative. He met with the representative in Dubai three days ago and presented the complete hybrid model. The representative subsequently discussed it with Jay Shah, the Secretary of the BCCI.
Sethi later had a WhatsApp conversation with the representative, who mentioned that Jay Shah had no objections to the proposed model but would consult with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka before making a final decision.
The fate of the Asia Cup and the potential implementation of the hybrid model for future tournaments now rest on the decision of the ACC, after consultations with the BCCI, PCB, and other participating nations.
