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In a massive decision that has left the cricket fraternity buzzing, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has granted a massive relief to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) by adopting the hybrid model for the highly anticipated 2023 Asia Cup. Reliable sources at Sports Tak have revealed that the ACC is set to make the official announcement next week, and intriguingly, India matches are now poised to take place in Sri Lanka.
Under the hybrid model, Pakistan will proudly host all the non-India matches, showcasing their cricketing prowess on home soil. However, in a thrilling twist, if India manages to qualify for the final, the summit clash will be held in Sri Lanka. Alternatively, if India falls short, the grand finale will electrify the cricketing landscape in Pakistan.
"The hybrid model will be accepted by ACC in the next meeting. Sri Lanka will be the neutral venue for India matches and the official announcement will be made in a day or two," a source told Sports Tak.
The host for this year's Asia Cup is Pakistan but with the Indian cricket team not travelling to the neighbouring country without the Central government's permission, PCB chairman Najam Sethi had proposed a 'Hybrid Model' where four games are supposed to be hosted in their country.
Earlier, a report in the PTI had claimed that the ACC members Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan opted out of the proposed hybrid model, leaving Pakistan with two options - either play the tournament at a neutral venue or withdraw from the competition altogether.
The latest development, however, provides a major relief to Pakistan and also smooths the way in terms of the country's participation in the 2023 ODI World Cup which is scheduled to be held in India later in the year.
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