In a surprising turn of events, Zaka Ashraf, the potential chairperson of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has voiced his reservations regarding the hybrid model of conducting the Asia Cup 2023. Ashraf, who is leading the race to become the next PCB president, openly rejected the recently approved hybrid model by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
Ashraf’s rejection of the hybrid model could also have implications for Pakistan’s participation in the 2023 World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in India.
An ACC board member, responding to Ashraf’s statement, made it clear that the Asia Cup model had been accepted by the ACC and would not be changed. The board member stated that Ashraf is entitled to his opinions but emphasized that the accepted model would be followed.
Pakistan, for the first time since 2008, is set to host a multi-nation cricket tournament at home. The ACC had confirmed Pakistan and Sri Lanka as the co-hosts for the Asia Cup 2023. Initially, the tournament was scheduled to be held entirely in Pakistan, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) clarified that the Indian team would not travel to Pakistan. Consequently, the hybrid model of the Asia Cup was accepted, with Asian Cricket Council President Jay Shah, who is also the BCCI secretary, stating that India would only play against Pakistan at a neutral venue.
