According to sources, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has accepted the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) hybrid hosting model for the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2023.
The BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has agreed to the PCB’s proposal to hold four matches of the tournament in Pakistan and the remaining matches in a neutral venue. However, the specific neutral location has yet to be determined.
Earlier announcements by PCB sources indicated that the first phase of the tournament, consisting of four matches, would be held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The remaining matches were scheduled to be played at the Dubai International Stadium. The PCB is confident that holding matches in Dubai will result in increased ticket sales.
It is worth noting that the BCCI previously refused to send the Indian cricket team to Pakistan for the Asia Cup. Instead, they insisted on holding the event in a neutral location. The BCCI’s primary concern is ensuring the safety and security of its players, which they believe can be achieved more effectively in neutral territory.
Concerns have been raised, prompting Najam Sethi, chairman of the PCB Management Committee, to call for a rational approach to resolving the looming crisis. Sethi emphasized the importance of striking a balance in order to successfully host both the Asia Cup and Pakistan’s participation in the ODI World Cup later this year.
Also read: Asia Cup 2023 Tussle Between India and Pakistan to be Discussed at BCCI’s Annual General Meeting
During a media interaction at the meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC), Sethi expressed doubts about Pakistan’s chances of traveling to India for the ODI World Cup if India refused to visit Pakistan for the Asia Cup. He emphasized that in such a case, the Pakistani government may prohibit their team from crossing borders, which would have serious consequences for the game of cricket.
Acceptance of Pakistan’s hybrid hosting model for the Asia Cup 2023 by the BCCI is a significant step forward. The decision on the neutral venue, on the other hand, is still pending. This development emphasizes the importance of diplomatic negotiations and finding common ground in order to successfully stage these prestigious cricket events.