The proposed hybrid model for the Asia Cup 2023, presented by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), is likely to be approved by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). This model includes Sri Lanka as a neutral venue where India can play their matches. As per the model, four to five of the tournament’s 13 games will be played in Pakistan, while all India-Pakistan games, as well as the final (if India reaches it), will be held in Sri Lanka.
Originally, the Asia Cup 2023 was scheduled to take place in Pakistan in September. However, due to ongoing political tensions between the governments of India and Pakistan, BCCI secretary Jay Shah, who is also the ACC president, stated that the Indian team would not travel to Pakistan for the tournament. He demanded that the event be moved to a neutral venue.
In response to the BCCI’s decision, the PCB threatened to boycott the ODI World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in India in October-November. To find a solution considering the reluctance of both India and Pakistan to travel to each other’s countries, the idea of a hybrid model emerged. This move not only provides a viable solution but also allows the PCB to retain the hosting rights for the Asia Cup.
PCB head Najam Sethi presented the details of the hybrid model to Pankaj Khimji, head of Oman Cricket and the ACC vice-president, in a meeting held in Dubai a couple of weeks ago. With the potential approval of the hybrid model, there is a possibility of an agreement that would facilitate Pakistan’s travel to India for the ICC World Cup.
In the Asia Cup 2023, India, Pakistan, and Nepal are grouped together among the six participating teams. The tournament, played in the 50-over format, serves as preparation for the ODI World Cup. The other group features Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Four stage, and the top two teams from there will compete in the final.
It is worth noting that Pakistan and India have not played bilateral cricket since 2013 due to strained political tensions. They only meet in global tournaments or multi-team events. Their most recent encounter was in the 2022 Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia.