The Asia Cup 2023 hosting rights have embroiled into a controversy that does not seem to be dying soon. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is adamant on hosting the quadrennial event and are even open to a ‘hybrid model’ with their own terms and conditions. At the same time, if Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refuses to come to Pakistan for Asia Cup 2023, PCB chief Najam Sethi has made it clear that their government will not allow the Babar Aam-led side to come for the ODI World Cup 2023 to be played later this year in India.
In an exclusive interaction with Sports Tak, the PCB Chief denied that it is not a matter of ego for the board and they have done everything possible to make the tournament happen. As far as security issues are concerned, Sethi gave example of other countries touring Pakistan in recent times.
“No, we are no stating that it is all or nothing when it comes to Asia Cup. We are saying if you cannot play in Pakistan, it is ok. We will play in neutral venue. But, the other teams can come to Pakistan and play here. Every major country, New Zealand, England and Australia have played here. There is no security issue. We compromised on a lot of things. The World Cup will also have to follow this same model because Pakistan's government will not allow us to go to India. Indian government has not given BCCI permission. This hybrid model is a compromise,” Sethi said.
On being asked about the current status of Asia Cup and whether it is happening or not, Sethi said that it is Asian Cricket Council (ACC) that needs to offer more clarity.
“ACC must resolve this entire issue. If India does not play in Pakistan, then find a neutral venue. There are no security issues. We will not be able to play the Asia Cup if the neutral venue thing does not work out. We have stated that if India does not play in Pakistan, we will not play in India. We made the hybrid model but it was not presented. I had a meeting with a senior ACC representative,” the 74-year-old said.
As Sethi threatened to pull out of ODI World Cup 2023, he was asked whether the mega tournament is not an International Cricket Council (ACC) compared to Asia Cup to which he replied, “If India does not play Asia Cup in Pakistan and adopts a hybrid model, then World Cup will also be a hybrid model. Pakistan are No.1 for two days and India were no.3. If India are No.3 and No.2 and if they do not play, is it possible?”
Recently, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) wrote a letter to ACC refusing to play Asia Cup 2023 as per hybrid model. Sethi feels that one nation objecting to it doesn’t pose a problem.
“If one member objects, no problem. The majority has to take the decision. If you do not accept the hybrid model, we will see how you can play a five-nation tournament. All the revenues come for India vs Pakistan. There is no Asia Cup without Pakistan. In Bahrain, Bangladesh's head has said there is no Asia Cup without Pakistan. It is a small compromise. There is a bigger political hand behind Sri Lanka's decision. They are saying this because they want the neutral venue to be in Sri Lanka or UAE,” Sethi said.
Sethi recalled that noone objected to playing Asia Cup in Pakistan during ACC meeting in Bahrain when BCCI secretary Jay Shah asked the question. He also addressed the heat issue if UAE is considered a neutral venue. In addition, he revealed that he has had a conversation with an ACC representative sent by Shah.
“There was no discussion on the hybrid model. I have asked where it will be held. 3 days back, I had talked with a senior ACC representative. The only issue was that the heat is bad in Dubai. I am prepared to sit and discuss the situation,” he said.
With former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s arrest, there have been riots in Pakistan. The Asia Cup 2023 will be held before elections in Pakistan but Sethi does not believe that it will lead to any security issues.
“There is no impact on cricket. The situation was the same when New Zealand had arrived. VVIP security is provided. A top company from England provides security. Big riots have happened even in India but cricket has not stopped. Political upheaval is not an issue,” he said trying to ensure that everything will be in control during the tournament.
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