The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has suggested a “hybrid model” to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) for the Asia Cup scheduled for this September with India’s matches scheduled offshore for the 50-over competition that will be hosted in Pakistan.
According to the article, the PCB, while suggesting a hybrid format, has also maintained its earlier position that Pakistan will withdraw from the competition if the ACC rejects the idea and decides to move the competition.
The PCB insisted on hosting the Asia Cup in September or it will withdraw from the competition, sources informed the publication during a series of discussions held over the previous several days in the United Arab Emirates.
In regards to the Asia Cup, the PCB is extremely clear. Pakistan has the right to host the tournament, and if there are any attempts to move the event elsewhere, Pakistan will not take part in those actions. However, the PCB has suggested a hybrid approach in which some Indian matches be scheduled abroad to protect the interests of the competition and participating nations. The ACC will study the PCB proposal, which was presented by Chairman Najam Sethi, and respond with remarks, a source told the publication.
The News reports that during the formal and informal conversations held amongst the ACC member countries to resolve the impasse, PCB’s possibilities were explored. Finally, it was proposed that the ACC members take Najam Sethi’s “hybrid model” seriously in an effort to tackle the ongoing problem that has already put the survival of the continent cricket family in danger.
“The ACC will provide their feedback to the PCB suggestion, following which further decisions will be made. However, if the proposal resubmitted by the ACC is not in the interest of Pakistan cricket, then the PCB will have no option but to withdraw from the event. For the PCB, only an event schedule that protects the genuine rights of the country’s cricket will be acceptable,” said the official who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
The official, however, suppressed information regarding the “hybrid model”.
According to the publication, the PCB will only consider such an offer if it is guaranteed that it will receive the financial rights and actual proceeds from the Asia Cup.
The PCB will not be in a position to carry any additional responsibilities, which in that case would be too heavy if India is determined about playing its matches on a neutral venue.
The Asia Cup has placed India and Pakistan in the same group, and there is a chance that the two bitter rivals would play each other three times. (pool match, super four, and the final).
The ACC is expected to provide its feedback to the PCB on the hybrid model within the next few weeks for consideration and approval.
