The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) announced the dates and venues for the Asia Cup 2023 last week, agreeing to PCB’s demand of conducting the multi-nation tournament with a hybrid model that will enable Pakistan to host four games while the rest of the matches will be played in Sri Lanka.
Amid the recent development, former India cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra has opened up on BCCI’s generosity, saying that the board never takes its share of revenue from the continental event and instead gives it to those members where cricket development is needed.
“In the history of Asia Cup, BCCI has never taken its share from the tournament," Chopra said on his YouTube channel. “They never even touch it. Instead, BCCI ends up handing over their share to other countries where cricket development is required. BCCI is quite wealthy and they are happy to be the elder brother. Therefore, they don’t ask for their share. No other country be it Pakistan, Sri Lanka or Bangladesh does that. Only BCCI ends up giving up their share."
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 Asia Cup, which was eventually approved by the ACC.
Aakash Chopra further said he isn’t surprised that a hybrid model has been accepted.
“Hybrid model has been accepted. UAE (as venue) wasn’t selected because of the heat, especially since the tournament will be played in 50-over format. Last year too Asia Cup was held here but then it was in T20 format and the matches started in the evenings," he stated.
While it’s not official yet, Chopra expects the title clash to be held in Sri Lanka as well.
“I am assuming without a doubt that the final will be played in Sri Lanka. Hosting rights remain with Pakistan. However, you are only a partial host. I am not a wee bit surprised (with the hybrid model) because India said no to traveling to Pakistan. There’s no doubt that Pakistan will come to India for the World Cup as well because you cannot say not to playing in ICC events. You may flex muscle in Asia Cup though. Without Pakistan, Asia Cup is like pizza without topping, tea without sugar. It won’t be the same. I hope this ends the debate," he remarked.
