Asia Cup 2023: PCB’s Dream of Hybrid Model Shot Down
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has achieved a major victory as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’s dream of a Hybrid Model for the Asia Cup 2023 has been shot down by Sri Lanka Cricket, Bangladesh Cricket and Afghanistan Cricket. This means that if the tournament goes ahead, it will be held at a neutral venue, likely Sri Lanka.
BCCI Refuses to Approve Model
PCB chairman Najam Sethi had initially gained the support of all three boards, with the exception of the BCCI. The proposed model would have seen Pakistan hosting four matches, while India and the Final would have been played in Sri Lanka or the UAE. However, with BCCI secretary Jay Shah, who is also the head of the Asian Cricket Council, refusing to approve the model, PCB gradually lost its support.
Conclusion
It is now clear that if the Asia Cup 2023 tournament goes ahead, it will be held at a neutral venue. This is a major win for the BCCI, who was determined to move the tournament away from Pakistan.