After many weeks of deliberations and much back and forth between the region’s cricket powers, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has succeeded in getting approval for its hybrid-hosting model for the Asia Cup in September. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has agreed to their proposal to host between four and six matches in Pakistan in the initial round, before the remainder of the tournament, including the final, is played at a neutral venue.
Sources in Pakistan confirmed this development, though there has yet been no agreement on the neutral venue. Pakistan would prefer that it was the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a short flight away, but the other participating nations are concerned about the oppressive weather in the Middle East at that time. The ACC will likely have a Zoom meeting next week before they arrive at a final decision.
The hosting of the Asia Cup has far-reaching implications for Asian, and world, cricket. If the PCB’s model is accepted and implemented, it drastically reduces the chances of Pakistan boycotting the World Cup in India in October-November, citing security concerns. Hardline elements in their government may still be reluctant to sanction the team travelling to India if India don’t go to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, but Pakistan cricket has also much to lose by staying away.
This compromise model may be the best solution for all concerned as they look ahead to the World Cup.