Asia Cup 2023: Pakistan ready to pull out of tournament as Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh join India in rejecting ‘hybrid model’

Karachi: Left with no option after Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan backed out of their proposed ‘hybrid model’, hosts Pakistan could be out of the Asia Cup 2023 in September. According to the ‘hybrid model’ proposed by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Najam Sethi, Pakistan was to host 3 to 4 matches of the Asia Cup at home, while the remaining matches involving India could be held at neutral venues. Was. ,

The idea came after India declined to visit Pakistan due to security concerns. However, it has now become clear that Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan have all backed into the BCCI’s pressure to move the tournament out of Pakistan.

“It is just a formality that the Asian Cricket Council executive board members meet virtually or a proper meeting is called later this month. But the PCB has now come to know that Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan are not supporting their hybrid model proposal for the Asia Cup.

Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have rejected Pakistan’s hybrid model for Asia Cup 2023. (Reported by PTI). pic.twitter.com/ZnnTqFAJYg

– Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 6, 2023

The source said that Sethi was already in touch with his Cricket Management Committee members and concerned government officials to discuss Pakistan’s stand if they do not get to host any of the Asia Cup 2023 matches at home. Sethi has repeatedly said that if the tournament is moved from Pakistan to one of the neutral countries, he will not take part in the competition and the source said that the PCB will boycott the Asia Cup.

“Pakistan has only two options. Play the tournament at a neutral venue or withdraw, said a source in the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). “If Pakistan doesn’t play, it will still be called the Asia Cup, but the broadcaster will renegotiate the deal in Pakistan’s absence.”

Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and India have all taken the stand that it is not logistically or financially possible to host the Asia Cup in Pakistan and another country and it should be held in one country Sri Lanka as India cannot travel . To Pakistan

The source also said that there is a possibility that this year’s Asia Cup may get canceled altogether and India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan may play a multi-team competition in the 50-over format before the World Cup. The source said, “There is every possibility that the Asia Cup will not happen this year as without the Pakistan and India matches, the broadcasters are unlikely to offer the amount they were offering to the ACC including Pakistan. “

The source said that India is also preparing to organize four or five nations at home, which will remain open if the Asia Cup is not held. How the Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan decisions affect the relationship between these boards remains to be seen.

Pakistan has already rejected an offer to play some ODIs in Sri Lanka when it tours the country for a two-Test series, after the island nation offered to host all Asia Cup matches. The source said that the recent developments may force Pakistan to show its hand in the decision to send its team to India for the ICC ODI World Cup 2023.