The BCCI and PCB are in a tussle over the staging of the Asia Cup 2023. While Pakistan have the hosting rights, the BCCI refused to send its team to the neighbouring country citing a lack of government clearance.
As a result, options are being explored to conduct the continental event in September. Recently, PCB proposed a ‘Hybrid Model’ to host the tournament. In such a model, India would play their matches at a neutral venue while Pakistan would play their matches at home.
While the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is yet to take a final call, a report published in PTI claims that Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan have opposed the 'Hybrid Model' proposed by PCB chief Najam Sethi. As a result, Pakistan might pull out of the Asia Cup as they have no option left.
According to the report, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan have all backed the BCCI's push for moving the competition out of Pakistan.
"It is just a formality now that the Asian Cricket Council executive board members meet virtually or a proper meeting is called later this month.
"But the PCB is now aware that Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan are not backing their hybrid model proposal for the Asia Cup," PTI quoted a well-informed source as saying.
As per the source, Sethi was already in touch with his cricket management committee members and also with the relevant government officials to discuss Pakistan's stance if they do not get to host any matches of the Asia Cup at home.
In the past, the PCB chairman has threatened to boycott the Asia Cup 2023 if the multi-nation tournament is shifted to one neutral country from Pakistan.
"Pakistan only has two options. Play the tourney at neutral venue or withdraw," an Asian Cricket Council source said.
"In case Pakistan doesn't play, it will still be called Asia Cup but broadcaster will renegotiate the deal in absence of Pakistan."
Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and India have all taken a unanimous stand that it is not logistically or financially feasible to stage the Asia Cup in Pakistan and some other nations and it should be held in one country only.
The source also hinted that the Asia Cup might be scrapped altogether this year and India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan could end up playing a multi-team event in the 50-over format prior to the World Cup.
"There is every possibility the Asia Cup might not be held this year because without Pakistan and India matches the broadcasters are not likely to offer the same amount they were offering to the ACC with Pakistan included," the source said.
The source added that India is also preparing for a four or five-nation tournament at home in the window which would be left open if the Asia Cup doesn’t take place.
(With PTI Inputs)
