In what came as a big setback for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Asian Cricket Council (ACC) members Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan opted out of the proposed 'Hybrid Model', which could allow Pakistan to hold every contest other than those involving Team India. According to PTI, the recent development has left PCB with two options either play the tournament at a neutral venue or withdraw from the competition altogether.
"It is just a formality now that the Asian Cricket Council executive board members meet virtually or a proper meeting is called later this month. But the PCB is now aware that Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan are not backing their hybrid model proposal for the Asia Cup," PTI quoted a well-informed source aware of the developments.
"Pakistan only has two options. Play the tourney at neutral venue or withdraw," an Asian Cricket Council (ACC) source told PTI.
According to the report, there is also a chance of the Asia Cup being canceled due to broadcast commitments if Pakistan withdraws from the competition.
In case the Asia Cup is canceled, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) might host a four or five-nation tournament at home during that window. The window for the Asia Cup this year is between September 1-17.
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.
It will now be interesting to see how the PCB reacts and what their decision will be regarding the participation in Asia Cup. Furthermore, one eye would also be on PCB's rebuttal in the form of denying participation in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India later in the year.
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