After Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan pulled out of their proposed ‘Hybrid Model,’ hosts Pakistan may withdraw from the Asia Cup in September.
According to the ‘Hybrid Model’ proposed by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Najam Sethi, Pakistan will host 3 to 4 Asia Cup games, while the remaining matches featuring India would be played at a neutral venue.
The notion arose after India refused to visit Pakistan due to security concerns. However, it is now evident that Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan have all endorsed the BCCI‘s drive to relocate the event away from Pakistan.
Source Said
“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.
According to the source, Sethi has already contacted members of his cricket management committee as well as relevant government authorities to discuss Pakistan’s position if they are unable to host any Asia Cup matches at home.
Sethi has frequently stated that if the tournament is moved to a neutral country other than Pakistan, the PCB will not participate, and a source has stated that a boycott of the Asia Cup is in the cards.
“Pakistan only has two options. Play the tourney at neutral venue or withdraw,” an Asian Cricket Council (ACC) 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 stated that it is not logistically or financially feasible to hold the Asia Cup in two countries, and that it should be held in one country, namely Sri Lanka, because India cannot go to Pakistan.
According to the source, the Asia Cup could be cancelled totally this year, and India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan could wind up playing a multi-team event in 50-overs format before the World Cup.
Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and India have all stated that it is not logistically or financially feasible to hold the Asia Cup in two countries, and that it should be held in one country, namely Sri Lanka, because India cannot go to Pakistan.
According to the source, the Asia Cup could be cancelled totally this year, and India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan could wind up playing a multi-team event in 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 were offering to the ACC with Pakistan included,” the source said.
According to the source, India is also planning a four or five-nation event at home in the window left open if the Asia Cup is not staged.
It needs to be seen how the decisions of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan will affect ties between these boards. Pakistan has already rejected a request to play some One-Day International (ODI) matches in Sri Lanka during a two-Test series there after the island nation offered to host all Asia Cup events.
According to the source, recent developments may push Pakistan to reveal its decision to send a squad to India for the World Cup.
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