Asia Cup to be shifted from Pakistan to Sri Lanka, hybrid model rejected: Report

In a massive setback to Pakistan, Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has decided to move the Asia Cup out of the country with Sri Lanka emerging as the frontrunner to replace them. It comes after Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) suggestion of a ‘hybrid model’ was rejected by member nations.

The hybrid member was made necessary after Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refused to travel to Pakistan citing lack of security clearance. There have been diplomatic tensions between the two nations and have stuck to playing each other only in ICC events.

Sri Lanka could play host to the six-team event in September with UAE reportedly out of reckoning due to the extremely humid conditions in the region that time.

PCB had proposed hosting India matches in the UAE and keeping their matches in Pakistan. But that suggestion has been shut down by other nations who believe this would create a logistical challenge.

“Najam Sethi (PCB chairman) was in Dubai today to procure support but to his horror there were no takers for his proposal of Pakistan playing its games in Karachi or Lahore and India playing in UAE. Sri Lanka was always with BCCI and now even Bangladesh Cricket Board seemed opposed to the idea,” an ACC source told news agency PTI.

“ACC has always maintained that in principle the ‘hybrid model’ is unacceptable and the budgetary sanctions can never be passed.”

“Also it’s not about Pakistan hosting its own matches. It also means that if India and Pakistan are in same group, the third team will be travelling to and fro between Dubai and a city in Pakistan,” the source added.

As per the current format, Nepal are in the same group as India and Pakistan for the 2-17 September tournament.

Another challenge to the hybrid model comes from the broadcasters. “Also logistically, the broadcasters wouldn’t want to send separate units in two countries. Sri Lanka, just like UAE doesn’t require inter-city flights whether you play at the Khettarama (Premadasa Stadium), SSC or Galle or Kandy,” the ACC official added.

To make things official, ACC chairman and BCCI secretary Jay Shah will need to convene an Executive Body meeting.

With the situation at a standstill, Pakistan’s involvement in both Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup, scheduled to be held in India, remains unclear.

Sri Lanka are the defending Asia Cup champions, having clinched the title in 2022, when it was played in the T20 format.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.