According to recent reports, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is planning an Asia Cup without Pakistan in 2023. If this media report is true and Pakistan does not participate in the continental tournament, it will certainly cast doubt on Babar Azam and Co.’s participation in the ODI World Cup set to be played in India. According to reports, all ACC members, with the exception of Pakistan, the tournament’s official hosts, have agreed to participate in the continental tournament. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remains committed to the ‘Hybrid Model,’ which proposes that a few matches, including the India games, be played at a neutral venue such as the UAE, while the rest of the series is played in Pakistan.
According to The Telegraph, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, who also serves as ACC President, has persuaded the other members of the Asian Council to play in Sri Lanka. According to the same report, the BCCI has rejected the hybrid model of holding matches in Dubai, citing excessive heat in the Middle East at that time of year as a reason.
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According to sources, The Telegraph has learned that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will receive a clear message during the Asian Cricket Council (ACC)’ upcoming executive board meeting. The message will state that all of the other participating countries have agreed to hold the tournament in Sri Lanka. Despite being designated as the tournament’s hosts for this edition, the PCB has failed to garner support for its proposal and is now forced to either comply with the decision to hold the tournament in Sri Lanka or withdraw from hosting it entirely.
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If Pakistan Cricket Team does not participate, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan will be the four Asia Cup 2023 teams that could compete. However, India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan and refusal to agree to the hybrid model may prompt the PCB to take drastic measures, including boycotting the ODI World Cup in India. The International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Greg Barclay and CEO Geoff Allardice were in Lahore to seek assurances from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) about its participation in the ODI World Cup. What was discussed at this meeting is expected to be made public later on Thursday when the PCB issues an official press release.