Zaka Ashraf, the likely new PCB chairman, has taken a soft stand regarding the hybrid model for Asia Cup 2023. On Wednesday, he completely ruled out the hybrid model. He had said that the ACC has given the hosting of this tournament to Pakistan. In such a situation, the entire tournament should be organized in Pakistan only. Under the hybrid model, all the big matches are being held in Sri Lanka and only teams like Bangladesh and Bhutan are playing in Pakistan. However, he has now said that the hybrid model is already sealed for the Asia Cup and there is not much he can do to change it.
In a conversation with a sports website, Ashraf had said "In my personal opinion, this whole hybrid model is not beneficial for Pakistan and I did not like it. Being a host, Pakistan should negotiate better to ensure that The idea was that the entire tournament should be played in Pakistan. Sri Lanka has got to host a lot of matches. It is not in our country's interest for Pakistan to host only four matches."
After this statement Ashraf, there was a lot of talk on social media and speculations were made that the Asia Cup can be organized in Sri Lanka without Pakistan, in which only five countries will participate. However, Ashraf later took a softer stand on the matter and said that he would not try to disrupt the existing agreement that had already been reached between the Pakistan Cricket Board and the Asian Cricket Council.
He said "But I see the decision has been taken, so we have to go with it. I will not block the decision or I have no intention of not complying with it. I will not talk much about it other than honoring the commitment." Can't do anything. But moving forward, whatever decision we take will be in the interest of the country."
The venue and schedule of the Asia Cup have been a major point of debate in the cricket world for months. After the PCB vs BCCI impasse, the Pakistan board suggested a 'hybrid model' headed by interim chief Najam Sethi. According to the model, out of 13 matches of the tournament, four to five matches will be played in Pakistan. The rest of the matches will be held in Sri Lanka, including all India vs Pakistan matches as well as the final of the tournament.
(pc amarujala)
