According to The News, which cited sources, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed a “hybrid model” to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) for the Asia Cup, which would be held in Pakistan in September and feature matches including India that will be played elsewhere.
According to the article, the PCB, while recommending a hybrid format, has also maintained its earlier position that Pakistan will withdraw from the competition if the ACC rejects its suggestion and decides to move the event.
Sources, told the publication that the PCB, in the series of meetings held over the past few days in the United Arab Emirates, insisted on hosting the Asia Cup in September or it will withdraw from the tournament.
“The PCB is very clear on the Asia Cup. It is Pakistan’s right to host the cup and if any attempts are made to take the event away, Pakistan will not take part in any such exercise. However, to safeguard the interest of the competition and participating countries, the PCB has proposed a hybrid model in which some India matches are scheduled offshore. The PCB’s proposal, submitted by Chairman Najam Sethi, will be reviewed by the ACC, which will revert with comments,” a source told the publication.
According to The News, PCB’s options were discussed during the formal and informal meetings held between the ACC member countries to settle the impasse. In the end, it was suggested that Najam Sethi’s “hybrid model” would be considered seriously by the ACC members to resolve the lingering issue that has already endangered the existence of the continent cricket family.
“The ACC will provide their feedback to the PCB suggestion, following which further decisions will be made. However, if the proposal resubmitted by the ACC is not in the interest of Pakistan cricket, then the PCB will have no option but to withdraw from the event. For the PCB, only an event schedule that protects the genuine rights of the country’s cricket will be acceptable,” said the official who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
