The Asian Cricket Council, led by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, is likely to accept PCB chairman Najam Sethi’s proposed ‘Hybrid Model’ for the Asia Cup. Under this model, four non-India matches will be played in Pakistan, while the remaining games will be held in Sri Lanka’s Galle and Pallekele. A formal announcement by the ACC is expected on Tuesday, and if the Hybrid Model is officially accepted, it will pave the way for the Pakistan team’s travel to India for the ODI World Cup scheduled in October-November. Consequently, Pakistan will have no issues playing in Ahmedabad.
The Gadaffi Stadium in Lahore will host four non-India matches, including Pakistan vs Nepal, Bangladesh vs Afghanistan, Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka, and Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh. The two India vs Pakistan matches and all other Super Four games will be held in either Pallekele or Galle, as per an ACC board member.
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The Asia Cup is anticipated to take place in September. It was agreed during a meeting between ICC CEO Geoff Allardice, chairman Greg Barclay, and Najam Sethi in Karachi that Pakistan would not impose any conditions to participate in the World Cup, provided four games are played in their country since they have the hosting rights.
Not including Pakistan in the tournament would have led to broadcasters paying only half the committed amount due to the absence of the highly anticipated India-Pakistan matches and a potential third match if both teams reach the final. The solution of the Hybrid Model was considered the most viable, ensuring Pakistan’s participation in India without any pre-conditions and facilitating the timely release of the ODI World Cup schedule early the following week.
In the World Cup, India is likely to face Pakistan in Ahmedabad, while Pakistan’s remaining matches might be held in Chennai and Hyderabad.