Amid the tussle between the BCCI and PCB over the hosting of Asia Cup 2023, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) on Monday (May 8) decided to move the multi-nation tournament out of Pakistan.

The call was made after PCB's proposal to host the event on a 'hybrid model' was rejected by the member nations, news agency PTI reported.

According to the report, Sri Lanka has emerged as a front-runner to host the competition as extremely humid conditions in UAE in the month of September could lead to injuries to players.

As of now, Pakistan’s participation in the tournament is unclear. The Asia Cup is scheduled to be played from September 2-17 and, thus, it will also serve as an ideal preparation for the Asian teams ahead of the ODI World Cup 2023 in October-November.

Since the start of the year, the BCCI officials time and again reiterated that India will not travel to Pakistan and the competition would be shifted to a neutral venue.

After BCCI’s refusal to travel to Pakistan citing lack of government clearance, PCB proposed ‘Hybrid Model’ to host the tournament. In such a model, India would have played their matches in UAE.

"Najam Sethi (PCB chairman) was in Dubai today to procure support but to his horror there were no takers for his proposal of Pakistan playing its games in Karachi or Lahore and India playing in UAE. Sri Lanka was always with BCCI and now even Bangladesh Cricket Board seemed opposed to the idea," an ACC source told PTI.

"ACC has always maintained that in principle the 'hybrid model' is unacceptable and the budgetary sanctions can never be passed."

"Also it's not about Pakistan hosting its own matches. It also means that if India and Pakistan are in same group, the third team will be travelling to and fro between Dubai and a city in Pakistan," the source added.

"Also logistically, the broadcasters wouldn't want to send separate units in two countries. Sri Lanka, just like UAE doesn't require inter-city flights whether you play at the Khettarama (Premadasa Stadium), SSC or Galle or Kandy," he further stated.

ACC chairman Jay Shah will now have to organize an Executive Body meeting to make the decision official.

Amid the recent development, it remains to be seen whether Pakistan comes to India for the 50-over World Cup later this year.

"Even ICC won't agree to Pakistan playing its matches outside India (during World Cup). So let's see what PCB decides," the source added.

(With PTI Inputs)