Najam Sethi’s message to ACC on Asia Cup 2023 hosting
The controversy surrounding the hosting of the Asia Cup 2023 continues as the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Management Committee, Najam Sethi, has given a clear message to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) regarding the tournament. Sethi has reiterated that Pakistan will not host the entire tournament in a neutral venue outside the country, reported by a media source.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is pushing for the Asia Cup to be shifted outside Pakistan, as they are convincing ACC members not to play in the tournament in Pakistan. This comes amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan and security concerns over the region.
However, the PCB is proposing a hybrid model for the tournament, which seems to be the only solution to this deadlock. Under this model, only India would play their matches outside Pakistan. This model was proposed by the PCB as a compromise to ensure the tournament takes place and to address India’s security concerns.
While the PCB is pushing for this hybrid model, they have not yet agreed to send the national team to India for the World Cup this year. Sources suggest that if India does not come to Pakistan, the PCB may also opt out of playing the World Cup there.
Despite this, Indian media has claimed that the PCB has confirmed that Pakistan will be touring India to play in the World Cup. However, this news has not been officially confirmed by either the PCB or the BCCI.
It is important to note that the hosting of the Asia Cup has been a contentious issue for years. In 2018, the tournament was supposed to be held in India, but it was moved to the UAE due to tensions between India and Pakistan. The following year, the tournament was held in Pakistan, but India refused to participate citing security concerns.
Moreover, reliable sources have said that Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have not opposed the hybrid model for the Asia Cup, as reported by ESPNcricinfo. However, the two cricket boards raised concerns over choosing the UAE as the venue to host India in accordance with the hybrid model.
The ongoing tension between India and Pakistan has had a significant impact on the cricketing ties between the two nations. India has not played a bilateral series with Pakistan since 2012, and the two teams only face each other in international tournaments. The Asia Cup is an important tournament for Asian cricketing nations, and it is crucial that a solution is found to ensure that it takes place as planned.
The PCB’s proposal of a hybrid model seems to be a viable option, as it would address India’s security concerns while ensuring that the tournament takes place. It is important that both cricket boards work together to find a solution that benefits all the participating nations.
Read More: CAF Champions League semi-finals: Stars to watch
The hosting of the Asia Cup 2023 remains a contentious issue, with the PCB and BCCI at odds over the tournament’s location. While the PCB is proposing a hybrid model, it remains to be seen if the BCCI will agree to it. With tensions between India and Pakistan at an all-time high, it is important that both cricket boards work together to ensure that the tournament takes place without any security issues.
