The hybrid model will enable Pakistan to host four games in the Asia Cup 2023.
Meanwhile, PCB’s likely new chairman Zaka Ashraf has expressed his disliking for the hybrid model that will enable Pakistan to host four games while the rest of the matches will be played in Sri Lanka.
However, Ashraf clarified that he will ‘honour the commitment’ made by the current PCB chief Najam Sethi.
“In my personal opinion, this whole hybrid model isn’t beneficial for Pakistan and I didn’t like it," Ashraf said in a chat with ESPNCricinfo.
“Being a host, Pakistan should have negotiated better to make sure that the entire tournament should have played in Pakistan. Sri Lanka taking the bigger lot of games, leaving Pakistan with only four games, isn’t in the best interest of our country," he added.
“But I see the decision has been made, so we have to go with it. I will not block or have any intention not to comply with the decision," he continued.
“I cannot do much about it but to honour the commitment. But going forward, every decision we make will be made for and in the interest of the country," he further remarked.
The Asia Cup 2023 was supposed to be solely hosted by Pakistan, but BCCI refused to travel to the neighbouring country citing a lack of clearance from the government and security reasons.
Subsequently, PCB chairman Najam Sethi threatened to boycott the ODI World Cup in India later this year and also proposed a hybrid model to host the multi-nation event, which was eventually approved by the ACC.
A total of 13 games will be played in Asia Cup 2023. Sri Lanka will stage the remaining 9 matches, including the final. The competition is slated to get underway on August 31 and will run until September 17.
India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Nepal will participate in the marquee tournament.