The report states that the Asia Cup 2023 schedule is likely to be delayed as PCB has demanded to have more matches in Pakistan.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials, who are currently attending ICC meetings in Durban, are scheduled to meet representatives of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) in Dubai on Sunday and Monday. According to a report in thenews.com, they aim to finalize the details and schedule of the upcoming Asia Cup, which is expected to begin on August 31.

A PCB official in Durban told The News that after preliminary discussions in South Africa, ACC representatives would meet PCB officials in Dubai to finalize all relevant details regarding the Asia Cup. It has been confirmed that Pakistan will host four matches, as opposed to the initial agreement to host only one match (Pakistan vs Nepal).

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The official said, “Initially, the ACC agreed to hold only one Asia Cup match in Pakistan, specifically Pakistan vs Nepal. However, after several discussions between former management committee chairman Najam Sethi and ACC officials, the decision was It was assumed that Pakistan would host three more matches. These matches included Pakistan vs. Nepal and most of the other group first round matches, namely Afghanistan vs. Bangladesh, Bangladesh vs. Sri Lanka, and Sri Lanka vs. Afghanistan. If both teams reach the final Pakistan will play against arch-rivals India, possibly in Dambulla, twice a week.”

Pakistan will host four matches: After preliminary discussions, the ACC agreed to hold only one match, Pakistan vs Nepal, in Pakistan. However, after fruitful talks between former management committee chairman Najam Sethi and ACC officials, Pakistan’s hosting rights were extended. The country will now host a total of four matches, including Pakistan vs Nepal and as many first round matches between other participating teams.

Financial Considerations: PCB stresses on the importance of generating sufficient revenue from the Asia Cup. Although specific venues have not yet been decided for the matches in Sri Lanka, the focus is on securing revenue to host the remaining matches in Pakistan. Initially, the event was planned to be held in the United Arab Emirates, where the PCB expected significant revenue from gate sales, ground hoardings and related marketing activities. However, the challenge of generating additional revenue in Sri Lanka requires reaching an understanding with the ACC to ensure a mutually beneficial financial outcome.

Reconciliation of India’s Revenue: The PCB, under the leadership of Najam Sethi, is engaged in discussions with ACC officials to ensure revenue generation comparable to what India achieved when it hosted the Asia Cup in the UAE last year. The PCB aims to secure an equitable financial outcome, underlining the importance of revenue generation for Pakistan.

Additional Considerations: Beyond financial matters, the meeting in Dubai will address various logistical aspects such as team arrangement, coordination of officials and travel arrangements for journalists covering the event. These elements play a vital role in ensuring a successful and smoothly executed Asia Cup.

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has called an emergency meeting in Dubai on Sunday to discuss and finalize the schedule of the upcoming Asia Cup 2023. pic.twitter.com/320KbmU9h8

– HamPakistani (@Hampakistani) 14 July 2023

The PCB official emphasized that the financial aspect of the Asia Cup is the most important. While the matches to be held in Sri Lanka are yet to be decided, the focus is on generating revenue for Pakistan to host the remaining matches. Initially, the event was planned to be held in the United Arab Emirates, where the PCB expected to generate revenue from gate money, ground hoardings and related marketing ventures. However, in Sri Lanka, generating additional revenue can be challenging. Hence, the PCB aims to strike a deal with the ACC to ensure that they get the desired revenue. During Najam Sethi’s tenure as the head of the PCB committee, talks were on with ACC officials to secure an amount equal to what India earned from hosting the Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates last year.

Apart from revenue, other matters like travel arrangements for teams, officials and journalists will also be discussed in the meeting to be held in Dubai on Sunday. PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf and BCCI secretary Jay Shah, who recently met in Durban, held preliminary discussions on all the issues which are expected to be finalized in Dubai before an official announcement. The only available window to host the Asia Cup is in the first fortnight of September, with the first match already scheduled for 31 August. After September 15, the focus will shift to preparations for the World Cup.