After Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan withdrew their support for the Hybrid Model proposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Pakistan are now considering the possibility of pulling out of the Asia Cup, scheduled for September.
The Hybrid Model, put forth by Najam Sethi, the PCB chairman, had Pakistan hosting three to four matches of the Asia Cup, before the remaining games, including those involving India, were played at a neutral venue. This Idea emerged after India declined to play in Pakistan, citing security concerns.
However, it has become evident that Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan have sided with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), in their call to move the tournament out of Pakistan.
“It is just a formality now that the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) executive board members meet virtually, or a proper meeting is called later this month,” a well-informed source aware of the developments told the Press Trust of India. “But the PCB is now aware that Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan are not backing their hybrid model proposal for the Asia Cup.”
ALSO READ: Pakistan Cricket Board threatens Sri Lanka Cricket | Asia Cup 2023
Sources revealed that Sethi had been in contact with his cricket management committee members and relevant government officials to discuss Pakistan’s course of action if they are denied the opportunity to host any matches in the Asia Cup.
Sethi has repeatedly stated that if the tournament is shifted to a neutral country, Pakistan will boycott the tournament.
All four countries involved – Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and India – argue that hosting the Asia Cup in Pakistan and another country would present innumerable logistical and financial challenges. They propose holding the tournament solely in Sri Lanka.
“Pakistan only has two options,” an ACC source said. “Play the tourney at a neutral venue or withdraw. In case Pakistan doesn’t play, it will still be called the Asia Cup, but the broadcaster will renegotiate the deal in the absence of Pakistan.”
ALSO READ: Can Pakistan Take a Hard Line on Asia Cup?
Considering that the India-Pakistan matches are estimated to pull in as much as 79 per cent of the tournament’s broadcast revenue, it remains to be seen whether how the ACC can ease the concerns of the TV rights holder.
Sources suggested that there was a chance that the Asia Cup would be canceled altogether. Instead, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan could engage in a multi-team 50-overs-format event prior to the World Cup.
“There is every possibility the Asia Cup might not be held this year, because without Pakistan and India matches the broadcasters are not likely to offer the same amount they were offering to the ACC with Pakistan involved,” said the source.
The repercussions for Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, if they upset the PCB, remain to be seen. It is worth noting that Pakistan have already turned down a proposal to play some ODIs in Sri Lanka during their upcoming two-Test series tour, after Sri Lanka had offered to host all the Asia Cup matches.
Given the recent developments and the political turmoil at home, Pakistan might soon have a decision regarding their participation in the World Cup in India.