The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and India have accepted the hybrid model proposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the 2023 Asia Cup. In this edition, Pakistan will host four matches while the remaining nine matches will be held in Sri Lanka. The tournament is to be held from 31 August to 17 September. The decision is being seen as a possible blueprint for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, which is also to be hosted by Pakistan. Former Pakistani cricketer Rashid Latif, while commenting strongly on the acceptance of hybrid model, targeted BCCI secretary Jay Shah and PCB.
Poster of Star Sports on Asia Cup 2023. pic.twitter.com/vY9DKj6BwD
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According to Latif, both Shah and the PCB had personal motives for accepting the hybrid model. He believed that Shah sought recognition for his efforts in organizing the tournament under challenging conditions, while Pakistan faced hardships to save its prestige.
Latif further insisted that the allocation of nine matches to Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup would greatly benefit their economy, which had taken a hit due to political unrest.
“It is a typical scenario; Jai Shah wanted to win; He needed recognition for his work, somewhere he wanted a medal for this under-the-belt strategy that he orchestrated some events as ACC president. Besides, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was also in a dire situation, and they too needed to find a solution to save face and overcome their challenges,” said Latif.
He also highlighted the positive impact on Sri Lanka’s economy due to the hosting of nine matches, which would generate significant revenue after a period of decline.
“Both India and Pakistan have been successful in this. The third beneficiary is Sri Lanka, which will host the tournament with around nine matches. Afghanistan, Nepal and Bangladesh will receive their respective participation fees, so it will be a very good event for all. Pakistan is happy, India is happy and Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are also happy.”
According to the hybrid model, the matches in Pakistan are: Pakistan vs. Nepal, Bangladesh vs. Afghanistan, Afghanistan vs. Sri Lanka, and Sri Lanka vs. Bangladesh.