The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is making preparations for the upcoming Asia Cup, with the possibility of Pakistan’s exclusion from the tournament this time, reported The Telegraph India.
Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary and ACC chairman, has clearly stated to the other member countries that the suggested “hybrid model” by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will not be accepted. During discussions with the heads of member nations, Shah proposed that the tournament should be held at a single venue, specifically Sri Lanka.
The PCB had proposed a hybrid model, which involved playing the initial four group stage matches in Pakistan, followed by the remaining matches, including the finals and India’s matches, at a neutral venue. According to this proposal, Pakistan would have played their group stage match against Nepal on home ground, while Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan would have also played their pool matches in Pakistan. The PCB had designated Dubai as the preferred neutral location within the hybrid framework. However, this proposal was not accepted.
According to the report, it was stated that all other participating nations have agreed to play in Sri Lanka, and Pakistan will be notified about this during the next executive board meeting of the ACC.
As the designated hosts, the PCB will be required to comply and play in Sri Lanka. If they choose to withdraw, the participating teams will be India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, with the inclusion of a fifth team yet to be determined.
Pakistan may be compelled to consider withdrawing from the World Cup due to India’s refusal to tour Pakistan and their rejection of the hybrid model. The PCB has reportedly informed ICC officials that their participation in the World Cup is contingent on government clearance.
