In a huge blow to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the Asia Cup 2023 is set to be shifted out of Pakistan to Sri Lanka. The decision came after the 'hybrid model' was rejected by the member nations. The decision comes months after Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah said that India will not be travelling to Pakistan for Asia Cup 2023.
After Jay Shah’s comments, India’s matches were expected to be played at a neutral venue (UAE).
"Najam Sethi (PCB chairman) was in Dubai today to procure support but to his horror there were no takers for his proposal of Pakistan playing its games in Karachi or Lahore and India playing in UAE. Sri Lanka was always with BCCI and now even Bangladesh Cricket Board seemed opposed to the idea," an ACC source told PTI.
"ACC has always maintained that in principle the 'hybrid model' is unacceptable and the budgetary sanctions can never be passed." "Also it's not about Pakistan hosting its own matches. It also means that if India and Pakistan are in same group, the third team will be travelling to and fro between Dubai and a city in Pakistan," the source added.
Recently, PCB had decided that the Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches are likely to be played in Dubai due to increased costs of security arrangements for players.
"Also logistically, the broadcasters wouldn't want to send separate units in two countries. Sri Lanka, just like UAE doesn't require inter-city flights whether you play at the Khettarama (Premadasa Stadium), SSC or Galle or Kandy," the source added.
With Pakistan not hosting Asia Cup 2023, it is unlikely that they will participate in the event. Earlier this year, there were also reports that PCB is ready to take the losses if they can’t host the tournament in the country.
Earlier this month, there were also reports that PCB chief will seek a "written guarantee" from Shah about India's participation in 2025 edition of ICC Champions Trophy before coming for ODI World Cup 2023 later this year.
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