The ongoing deadlock surrounding the Asia Cup 2023 has prompted Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi to reach out to the International Cricket Council (ICC), seeking their intervention in the matter. The PCB is requesting the ICC to exert pressure on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to accept the proposed hybrid model for the tournament. Despite the PCB’s previous threats of a boycott, the BCCI remains confident that Pakistan will ultimately participate in the event.
A senior BCCI official, who is currently in London for the World Test Championship Final, expressed his views on the situation, stating, “Those are just immediate reactions. PCB very well knows what position they are in and any money that comes through is important for them. I don’t think Pakistan can boycott. They will play in the Asia Cup and World Cup. For the moment, they are trying whatever they can to keep it, but it’s not going to happen.”
So, what exactly is the PCB’s proposed Asia Cup 2023 hybrid model? Under this model, the tournament would be divided into two phases. In the first phase, Pakistan would host matches against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Nepal. The second phase would involve India’s matches played at a neutral venue. Sri Lanka is the preferred destination for the neutral venue as India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka have expressed concerns about the extreme heat in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where matches have traditionally been held.
During a recent visit to Pakistan, ICC top officials, including President Greg Barclay and CEO Geoff Allardice, engaged in detailed discussions with Najam Sethi regarding the Asia Cup dispute. The ICC is closely monitoring the strained relations between India and Pakistan, particularly since both countries are slated to host ICC events in 2023 and 2025, respectively.
“We will know next week as there will be an ACC meeting in Dubai after the World Test Championship. There are some concerns that need addressing, and after that, we will have the schedule for the Asia Cup,” the BCCI official stated.
The potential withdrawal of Pakistan from the Asia Cup 2023 would not only be a significant blow to the tournament itself but could also have far-reaching implications for the upcoming World Cup 2023. Pakistan holds the power to refuse to play in India. Furthermore, another round of discussions will be on the table when Pakistan hosts the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025, where India may once again decline to send their team.
Currently, ICC and BCCI officials are in London, and they are expected to convene and discuss the next course of action officially on the sidelines of the World Test Championship Final at The Oval.
By next week, the fate of the Asia Cup will be decided as BCCI Secretary Jay Shah and Najam Sethi are scheduled to face off at the ACC meeting in Dubai. The cricketing world eagerly awaits the outcome of these discussions, as the resolution will have a significant impact on the future of bilateral events between India and Pakistan.