According to PCB chief Najam Sethi, Pakistan will not participate in Asia Cup if the tournament is moved to a neutral country from Pakistan.
Left with no option after Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan backed out of their proposed ‘Hybrid Model’, hosts Pakistan may pull out of the Asia Cup in September. According to the ‘Hybrid Model’ proposed by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Najam Sethi, Pakistan was to conduct 3 to 4 Asia Cup games in their country, while the rest of India’s matches could be held at a neutral venue. The idea was floated after India refused to travel to Pakistan because of security concerns. However, it has become clear now that Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan have all backed the BCCI’s push to move the tournament 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,” said a well-informed source aware of the developments.
(Read Also: Hardik Pandya one of the best pace-bowling all rounders in world cricket: Lance Klusener)
The source said that Sethi was already in touch with his cricket management committee members and relevant government officials. He discussed Pakistan’s stance if they do not get to host any Asia Cup matches at home.
Sethi has repeatedly said that if the tournament is moved to a neutral country from Pakistan, it will not take part in the competition. The source said PCB will boycott the Asia Cup.
“Pakistan only has two options. Play the match at a neutral venue or withdraw,” an Asian Cricket Council (ACC) source said.
“In case Pakistan doesn’t play, it will still be called the Asia Cup but broadcasters will renegotiate the deal in the absence of Pakistan.” Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and India have all taken the stance that it is not logistically or financially feasible to host the Asia Cup in Pakistan and some other countries and it should be held in one country i.e. Sri Lanka since India can’t travel to Pakistan.
The source also said the Asia Cup might be scrapped this year. India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan could play a multi-team event in a 50-overs format before 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 offered to the ACC with Pakistan included,” the source said.
The source added that India is also preparing for a four or five-nation event at home in the window left open if the it is not held.
What effect Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan’s decision could have on relations between these boards remains to be seen.
Pakistan has already rejected a proposal to play ODI matches in Sri Lanka when it tours the country for a two-Test series. This is after the island nation offered to host all Asia Cup matches.
The source said the recent developments could force Pakistan to show its hand regarding its decision to send its team to India for the World Cup is concerned.
