Pakistan would not participate in the competition if the Asia Cup is shifted to a neutral nation, according to PCB president Najam Sethi, who has stated this several times.
The hosts Pakistan may cancel the Asia Cup in September after Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the projected “Hybrid Model” were all abandoned. The “Hybrid Model,” put out by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) president Najam Sethi, called for Pakistan to host 3 to 4 Asia Cup games while hosting the remaining contests involving India at a neutral site. The proposal was made after India decided against visiting Pakistan due to security reasons. It is now evident that Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan support the BCCI’s efforts to have the event moved out of Pakistan.
It is really a formality at this point whether the executive board members of the Asian Cricket Council meet electronically or in person later this month.
A knowledgeable source familiar with the proceedings noted that “but the PCB is now aware that Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan are not backing their hybrid model proposal for the Asia Cup.”
According to the source, Sethi was already in contact with the members of his cricket management committee and the pertinent government authorities to negotiate Pakistan’s position if they were denied the opportunity to host any Asia Cup games at home.
Sethi has consistently stated that Pakistan will not participate in the competition if the event is transferred to a single neutral nation from Pakistan, and the source claimed that PCB is planning to demand a boycott of the Asia Cup.
“Pakistan has just two choices. Play the tournament in a neutral site, or you’re out, according to an Asian Cricket Council (ACC) source.
“If Pakistan doesn’t participate, it will still be called the Asia Cup, but the broadcaster will renegotiate the contract in Pakistan’s absence.” According to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and India, it is neither logistically or financially possible to hold the Asia Cup in Pakistan and another nation. Instead, Sri Lanka should host the event because India is unable to go to Pakistan.
The insider said that there is a chance the Asia Cup might be completely abandoned this year and that India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan would instead compete in a multi-team 50-over competition before to the World Cup.
There is a strong probability that the Asia Cup won’t take place this year since the broadcasters are unlikely to provide the same amount they did to the ACC when Pakistan was involved, the source added.
In the window that would remain available if the Asia Cup were to be cancelled, the source continued, India is also getting ready for a four- or five-nation event at home.
It is unclear how the decisions of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka will affect the relationships between these boards.
After the island nation offered to host all of the Asia Cup matches, Pakistan already rejected a proposal to play some ODI matches in Sri Lanka when it travels the nation for a two-Test series.
According to the source, recent events may compel Pakistan to make a choice over sending its squad to India for the World Cup.
